ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Pakistan People’s Party is national party, which has representation from all over the country including tribal areas.
The role of a national political party is of paramount importance in furthering democracy and bringing progress and prosperity in the country, especially in the underdeveloped and less-privileged areas, he added. The PM expressed these views in a meeting with a group of parliamentarians belonging to Fata at his Parliament House Chamber on Tuesday. Referring to the role played by PPP in introduction of reforms in Fata, the PM remarked that the Political Parties Act will mainstream the tribal people in the country’s policies and give them the democratic right to express their will by electing their representatives.
 Amendment in FCR has entitled the people’s right of appeal to the High Court which was earlier denied to them, he added.
The Prime Minister said that government visualises a prosperous future for the people of Fata by providing them basic needs at their doorsteps. The Prime Minister informed the delegation members that he has already given directions to the NHA and Wapda to prioritise their projects in Fata region so that the standard of living of the people can be raised.
The delegation thanked the Prime Minister for the government’s special focus on tribal areas and informed him that people of tribal areas are appreciative of the efforts being made by the government to improve their standard of living.
The delegation apprised the Prime Minister of the development projects and on-going schemes in their constituencies.  The Prime Minister assured the delegation that the government will extend all possible assistance for the early completion of development projects in the tribal areas.
The meeting was also attended MNAs Hameedullah Jan Afridi, Malik Bilal Rehman, Muhammad Kamran Khan, Zafar Beg Botanni, Senators Haji Khan and Hilal-Ur-Rehman.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said provision of better heath care facilities to the people is one of the top priorities of the present government, adding the government will ensure that standard medicines are available in sufficient quantity at affordable prices.
The Prime Minister expressed these views in meeting with Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, minister for national services and regulations, at his Parliament House Chamber on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister expressed the confidence that Drug Regulatory Authority Act (DRA) will perform its duties in accordance with the mandate and streamline its enforcement mechanism to ensure that the quality drugs are provided to the people. The Prime Minister emphasised the need of enhanced cooperation between the Federal Government and provincial governments to ensure a friendly health care regime. The Minister informed the Prime Minister about various other matters relating to her Ministry.