United front: Political parties oppose pro-FCR tribesmen

Say only way for tangible progress in FATA is through reforms

SHABQADAR: Opposing certain tribal elders, political parties in Mohmand Agency have demanded the merger between Fata and K-P in the shortest possible time.

All Fata Political Parties Alliance held an emergency meeting in Ghallanai, Mohmand Agency on Tuesday.

All major political parties took part in the conference. Providing details to the media later on, PPP Mohmand President Dr Farooq Afzal said all the political parties welcomed proposals of the FATA Reforms Committee.

They decided the suggestions should be implemented on a speedy basis before the 2018 general elections.

He hoped tribespeople would have representation in the provincial assembly before the next polls. He also said the people of Fata would welcome local government elections and extension of the superior judiciary to the tribal areas.

Afzal believed progress would be visible in Fata once these reforms are introduced. The PPP leader said the alliance opposed those tribal elders who were against the merging of Fata with K-P.

Afzal pointed out that these elders had vested interests in the Frontier Crimes Regulation and that was the reason they chose to oppose the reforms.

The alliance general secretary, Sajid Mohmand, said PTI leaders told tribal elders that they want to see a change in the status quo. However, he alleged the latter were against such reforms.

He added elders who have ruled Fata for a long time should be aware that 70% of the educated youth are against the FCR – a law which has ruined the tribal areas.

Sajid maintained that the only remedy is to abolish FCR and the FATA Reforms Committee has taken feedback from the youth for its proposals.

On the flip side

He also welcomed the reforms and paid tribute to the committee. In Ghallanai on Monday, a tribal jirga opposed the reforms and the merger. Those who attended the jirga included elders of Mohmand Agency, including those from the Haleemzai, Tarakzai, Khwaizai, Baizai, Safi and Utmankhel tribes. They collectively demanded Fata be made part of the federal government instead of being merged with K-P. Although they welcomed some reforms, these elders opposed the complete abolishment of the FCR, which according to them, safeguards their culture and traditions. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 31^st, 2016.