Pakistan's tribal areas to get local self-govt

Local self-government is to be introduced in north-western Pakistan's tribal areas, the president said Tuesday. President Asif Ali Zardari announced the change on Pakistan's 66th Independence Day and said it was made "in accordance with the wishes of the tribal people and in accordance with their customs and traditions." He did not give a date for when the change would be made, according to a report of DPA. Pakistan has seven tribal districts, which are under the direct control of the federal government, which administers them through local officials and tribal elders. "On this day, I wish to call upon everyone to work together for strengthening of democracy, empowerment of the people and for a progressive, tolerant, moderate and modern Pakistan as envisioned by our great leaders," Zardari said in an Independence Day message.