Fata reforms: High-powered panel visits Mohmand Agency to obtain feedback on FCR

Political figures say FCR main hurdle to peace, prosperity of tribal belt

GHALLANAI: The FATA Reforms Committee visited Mohmand Agency on Friday to meet tribal elders and political workers, and obtain their feedback on the proposed 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill and Fata reforms.

The committee, headed by Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, held a detailed discussion on the FATA Reforms Bill.

Tribal elders who spoke in favour of FCR were Malik Attaullah, Malik Ayaz Khan, Malik Nadir Manan, Maulana Abdul Haq and former MNA Ghulam Sadique. They said the regulation is the basic demand of tribal elders and also supports their customs.

However, some political party leaders at the meeting shouted slogans against the FCR. They said they were not against the reforms but against the integration of Fata into K-P.

Political party leaders Nisar Mohmand, Jangrez Khan and youth leaders criticised the FCR, saying it only benefits tribal elders and is against underprivileged sections of the society. They were of the view that FCR is the main hurdle to peace and prosperity of Fata.

On the occasion, Aziz told the tribal Jirga they have started visiting various agencies in the tribal belt to obtain feedback of the locals.

“We started our visit from Bajaur and today we are here in Mohmand,” he said. He informed that restoration of peace in Fata, and rehabilitation of IDPs is our first priority. He added the committee will consult all the stakeholders before filing a report.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan said we have provided Rs700 million for the establishment of a university in Fata where classes will commence from the next academic year. He further said resources will be distributed equally among the citizens through a rationalisation policy.

Later, the committee met youth and journalists of Mohmand Agency and recorded their feedback. The youth rejected the FCR and demanded the integration of Fata into K-P.

During his visit to the agency, the governor went to see various development schemes in Ghallanai initiated under the annual development programme for 2015-16.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2^nd, 2016.