ISLAMABAD - China will provide $10 million to support Pakistani government in rehabilitation of residents in FATA and promote social development in the area. The agreement to this effect was signed between Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong and Secretary of Economic Affairs Division Saleem Sethi on award of the special grant. The signing of the agreement is the implementation of an important outcome of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan in April this year.
According to the agreement, the Chinese government will provide the Pakistani government with a special grant of $10 million in cash for supporting rehabilitation of residents in FATA, help improve people’s wellbeing, maintain stability and promote social development in the area. The Pakistani government will utilise all grant in the rehabilitation programme of residents in FATA area based on the mutual understanding of both countries. Since Pakistan launched counter-terrorism operation in 2014, China has provided assistance for the reconstruction and development of the FATA area. Last year, China provided nearly $10 million to the IDPs and flood-affected people. China firmly supports the efforts of Pakistan to safeguard its national security. The Chinese side will continue to provide assistance within its capacity for the reconstruction and livelihood improvements of the FATA area so as to support the local people to rebuild their homeland at an early date.