UAE works with Pakistan Army for development in KPK and FATA areas
Monitoring Desk: The government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) works with Pakistan Army for funding development projects in tribal areas of Pakistan, indicates a report of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).
According to the said report published in Arab media, major projects funded by ADFD includes Warsak College, Wana College and Spinkai Cadet College and construction of the UAE-Pakistani Friendship Road which links southern and northern areas of the Waziristan region. Target areas of major funding are mostly situated in KPK and FATA regions.
According to the report published by Gulf News, ADFD is working for strong relations between Pakistan and Abu Dhabi government and assisting Pakistani government for boosting strategic growth in Pakistan.
Report indicates that some of the notable projects funded by ADFD in Pakistan include the $60.6 million construction of the UAE-Pakistani Friendship Road, which has helped link the southern and northern areas of the Waziristan region. The 72-km road serves three major cities and 20 villages and facilitates the movement of people and goods. The project was initiated on the directives of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The project was opened by former COAS General Raheel Sharif in the presence of Abdullah Khalifa Al Ghafli, Director of the UAE Project to Assist Pakistan (PAP)
ADFD’s contributions in the education sector include a Dh46 million grant earmarked for training colleges. This project led to the construction of three training colleges for individuals living in remote areas. These include Warsak College in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and Wana College and Spinkai Cadet College — both located in South Waziristan.
Reports says that ADFD has supported Pakistan with grants and concessionary loans on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government, valued at Dh1.5 billion across nine sustainable development projects.