Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif decided on Monday to call a high-level meeting of parliamentarians from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to discuss matters of national security, with particular emphasis on the region's development.
The main focus of the meeting, scheduled to be held on July 10, would be on administrative, development and political affairs of FATA.
A statement issued by the prime minister's office said that an important meeting will be held with the members of National Assembly and Senate elected from FATA to discuss the issues faced by region.
"Political Secretary to Prime Minister, Asif Kirmani has contacted FATA members and invited them for the meeting," the statement added.
Sources placed at the premier’s office informed The Express Tribune that FATA members were also demanding to have security agencies representatives in the meeting.
However, the prime minister said that the security and military officials are due to present a briefing over security situation in the forthcoming All Parties' Conference (APC), the sources claimed.
Sources stated that Nawaz not only wanted to take FATA parliamentarians on board in discussions related to the country's security policy but also wanted to have their concerns raised in the APC.
Information Minister Senator Pervez Rashid said that such a move is aimed at obliterating the impression that Pakistan is following foreign instructions.
"It is the duty of state to eliminate terrorism from the country and ensure peace," he said.
He said that the independence and sovereignty of the country is affected by people who hinder anti-polio campaigns and drone strikes.
Rashid said that the policies of the country cannot change over a telephone call and the forthcoming APC will enable the elected representatives to formulate a national policy collectively.
The Information Minister stated that that the new policy needs to be backed by the entire nation so that they can take ownership of decisions.
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Information Minister Senator Pervez Rashid said, “It is the duty of state to eliminate terrorism from the country and ensure peace,”------ Good that you are aware of your duties. Please let your Home Minister Ch Nisar Khan know it too and also Please remind him that the State must fulfill its this most important responsibility with infringing upon the basic rights of citizen which entail and guaranteed in our Constitution, these are our right to dissent, right to information and freedom of speech and freedom to elect parties and individuals of their choice.