FATA Grand jirga: Government urged to hold referendum

Participants say security environment depends on final decision to merge regions

PESHAWAR: A resolution has been passed on Sunday by FATA Grand Jirga to urge the government to hold a referendum in the agencies.

Elders from all seven tribal areas participated in the jirga held in the city on the same day.

Speaking on the occasion, Qaumi Seerat Council Pakistan Chairperson Pir Muhammad Noorul Haq Qadri said the delicate security environment of Fata hangs in the balance. “As a result, the federal government and FATA Reforms Committee should respect the wishes of its population before taking any major decision.”

“It is sad that decisions regarding certain areas in this country are taken behind closed doors,” Qadri said. “One such decision was taken by the FATA Reforms Committee as the decision was taken without the consent of tribespeople.”



Qadri has urged the government to hold a referendum to decide the fate of Frontier Crimes Regulations, saying it was the only fair way to gauge public opinion.

“If the residents decide to vote for Fata’s merger with K-P then the government will not face any opposition. However, if the public votes against the merger, than the wishes of the people should be respected.”

Regarding the decision made by the FATA Grand Jirga, Qadri said the government should heed to the demands of the jirga otherwise they will take to the streets after Eidul Azha.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2016.