Ukraine’s ambassador to Pakistan Ihor Pasko and other delegates met Governor NWFP Mr Owias Ghani in the Governor House Peshawar, on Tuesday, October 7, 2008. The meeting was attended by the Chief Executive of the FATA Development Authority (FDA), Mohamad Shehzad Arbab, Governor’s secretary Mr. Arbab Mohammad Arif and Dr. Fazli Rabbi Khan, Associate Professor at the National Center of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar. The delegates from Ukraine gave a presentation highlighting their services which can be used in the Governments efforts for the development of FATA. They also offered specialized technology that can be used in health, education, and mining sectors. The delegates also offered study opportunities for Pakistani students in Ukraine. Governor NWFP Mr. Owais Ghani thanked the delegates; he appreciated the offers extended by the Government of Ukraine in various sectors.

The tribal areas of NWFP spread over an area of 27000 km2 most of which is mountainous and hilly terrain. The stratigraphic succession of the area is characterized by occurrences of different lithologies (rock types), which reflect varied depositional environments and tectonic setup. The belt has not been systematically studied and evaluated in particular context of the distribution of petroleum source rocks. Elementary data is yet to be generated as pre-requisite to establish a base for detailed exploration of hydrocarbon potential in the area. With the latest techniques of Geomicrobial survey, we can assess the hydrocarbon prospectively with optimum level of confidence.

Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have remained the most neglected areas with respect to the developmental projects. However, recently through the efforts of Dr. Fazli Rabbi Khan, Associate Professor at the National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar, the government began a project with aims for searching hydrocarbon reserves and other mineral resources in the region. International support for such projects might prove help full in developing the socio economic situation of the people of the area by creating new jobs and providing education opportunities.