The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Islamabad has started taking necessary steps for upgrading its academic facilities in the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (FATA) by opening up its office at Wana in South Waziristan Agency. The Wana office will cater to the educational needs of the surrounding areas, including Dera Ismail Khan and Tank, helping the local people enter the mainstream of the national development. According to the Directorate of Regional Services, the AIOU has already been running study and examination centers in Wana and now with the availability of a regular office, the students will be able to get their routine problems resolved on a fast-track basis. The AIOU has also decided to provide free education to the people of FATA up to the matriculation level. The same facility is also available to the people of Balochistan. The university is already providing free education to the deprived sections of the society, including prisoners, disabled, dropout girls and the transgender community. The university offers nine scholarship schemes and special fee waiver to facilitate the deserving students in carrying out their future education. This also includes special scholarships for the internally displaced persons in FATA. Published in Daily Times, June 6th 2018.