In the offing: Political parties urged to support FATA Reforms Bill

PESHAWAR:

Politicians and elders from the tribal belt have urged parties to support the FATA Reforms Bill and announced plans to ensure the legislation is passed. This was said at a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Thursday.

Pakistan Peoples Party former MNA from Bajaur Agency Syed Akhunzada Chattan and other leaders said a tribal convention will be held on October 31 at Nishtar Hall to discuss the matter. Similarly, an all-parties conference will be convened in Islamabad on November 2 to ensure the National Assembly passes the bill to integrate Fata with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

“On November 16, tribespeople and leaders from various parties will hold a rally outside the National Assembly building,” he said. “The purpose of this demonstration is to persuade the government to repeal the draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR).”

According to Chattan, all tribespeople are against the FCR and the time is ripe to get rid of the law.

“We have met all political parties and the leaders and asked them to support the bill,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2015.