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DE RUEHIL #1970/01 1510349
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RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 3303
RUEHKP/AMCONSUL KARACHI 9786
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RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
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RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ISLAMABAD 001970 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID MASS SNAR PK
SUBJ: FATA IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AS OF MAY 23, 2008 
 
REF:  ISLAMABAD 1786 
 
¶1.  (U) Following is a summary of U.S. Mission Islamabad's 
activities in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) 
along its northwest border with Afghanistan as of May 23, 2008. 
 
General activities 
- - - - - - - - - - 
 
¶2. (SBU) USAID has contracted a feasibility study for construction 
of four roads in the FATA.  The study is expected to be completed in 
September 2008.  There are five proposals for 1210 funding in 
development, including training facility proposals for the Northwest 
Frontier Province (NWFP) police and the Frontier Constabulary (FC). 
A training course for levy managers is underway and a five-week 
course training course for levies will begin in June at the National 
Police Academy. 
 
Peshawar Update 
- - - - - - - - 
 
¶3. (SBU) The Principal Officer's recent visit to Dera Ismail Khan 
indicated that the town could serve as a branching out point for 
outreach into South Waziristan.  As a result of her trip, 
negotiations to establish an American Corner at Gomal University 
have begun.  The FATA Transition Initiative (FTI) will begin work in 
the Frontier Regions of Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, and Lakki 
Marwat to build the confidence and credibility needed to implement 
projects in North Waziristan and ultimately, South Waziristan. 
Additionally, since Dera Ismail Khan is accessible by alternate 
routes through the Punjab, it is a more convenient site for USAID 
partners CHF and DAI to set up their first office for outreach into 
the southern tribal areas. 
 
¶4. (SBU) FTI teams have installed 12 10-KVA generators and three 
50-KVA generators at universities and student hostels to assist 
students after a May 11 bombing which severely reduced electricity 
to the Peshawar area and affected students' ability to study for 
exams.  Two more 10-KVA generators are awaiting installation.  FTI 
examined the possibility of providing assistance to the Engineering 
College for one month, although its students are not on the same 
examination schedule as other universities in the area.  After 
students protesting the lack of electricity destroyed school 
property, however, the Engineering College closed early for summer 
vacations. 
 
¶5. (SBU) FTI is conducting a media accessibility and credibility 
survey in Mohmand Agency, Khyber Agency, South Waziristan, Peshawar 
Frontier Region (FR), Kohat FR, and Dera Ismail Khan FR. 
 
¶6. (SBU) After tribal elders allowed access in exchange for water 
projects, FTI is sponsoring an intertribal soccer competition in the 
Bara area to bring the various tribes together.  GOP officials will 
serve as Chief Guests and present "Player of the Day" awards. 
 
¶7. (SBU) Work on a school renovation in Kharkay, Orakzai, continues 
slowly due to logistical challenges (rain) and security problems. 
Many of the young men and potential laborers of this community have 
left for work in Gulf States, leaving the community economically 
dormant.  A local donkey owner, whose transportation business has 
been limited until now, has been hired to transport materials from 
the main road to the village school.  The community had specifically 
requested FTI to hire this man and his donkey because the economic 
downturn has left him with almost no source of income.  This is an 
example of how FTI provides preferential business to local business 
people in order to ensure that they receive economic benefits from 
projects in their communities. 
 
Security Situation 
- - - - - - - - - - 
 
¶8. (SBU) The security situation continues to deteriorate in 
previously designated "go" areas.  In Mohmand Agency, the overall 
security situation is very tense, and Taliban are seen moving about 
freely in Mian Mandi and Ekka Ghund market areas.  (Note: These 
areas are close to the settled areas.  End note.)  On May 21, 2008, 
the "extremist" Taliban (a term utilized by our local staff as 
compared to "local Taliban") were seen at Saipan area.  They are now 
slowly reaching the Shabqadar area (on the border with the settled 
areas).  Taliban have stopped the girls at Ghiljo tehsil in Upper 
Orakzai taking their Intermediate examinations.  The Political 
Administration brought these 60 girls to Kohat to take these exams, 
 
ISLAMABAD 00001970  002 OF 002 
 
 
but they missed the first two.  Khyber Agency is also rife with 
security threats which frequently stop staff from traveling into the 
Agency, but project activities continue. 
 
¶9. (SBU) A bomb blast in FR Kohat killed two Frontier Corp soldiers 
on May 17, creating a high security alert and a sense of panic in 
the FR.  Despite security problems, FTI staff still visited the 
village of Jawaki for a Community Consensus Jirga.  Staff have also 
agreed to meet with the Maliks of Zarghoon Khel to discuss the 
reconstruction and rehabilitation of Dara Adam Khel College, which 
was partially destroyed by a recent bomb attack. 
 
Khyber Idol Singing Competition 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
 
¶10. (SBU) The final round of the FTI-sponsored "Khyber Idol" singing 
competition was held on May 17 at a government high school in 
Jamrud.  The purpose was to provide a public relations opportunity 
for the Government of Pakistan, get citizens involved in Government 
initiatives, and demonstrate a change in the political environment 
since the MMA government (which restricted singing) was voted out. 
The songs were focused on patriotic themes.  Radio Khyber reported 
that 3,126 people total voted by text or phone call during the 
semi-final rounds.  Approximately 400 people from Khyber Agency 
attended the final round to watch live performances of all nine 
finalists.  The Agency Education Officer was the Chief Guest at the 
event and distributed trophies and certificates from the GOP to the 
nine finalists.  Former government councilors, the President of the 
FATA Teachers Association, and local elders were also present on the 
occasion.  Audience members were enthusiastic, and many commented 
that such events should be held frequently to draw youths to 
cultural activities.  On May 18, recordings of the nine finalists' 
performances were broadcast on Radio Khyber, and 1,428 people voted 
during this final round.  The winner received 508 votes and will 
participate in the production of a music CD. 
 
PATTERSON