JUI-F, political allies lock horns

SHABQADAR: Rift between Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl and other political parties has deepened over the merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas after the party held a peace conference in support of Fata lawmakers.

The party had held a peace conference on December 18 in favour of Fata parliamentarians while simultaneously political parties staged a protest criticising JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PKMAP leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai.

JUI-F leaders claim that most of the legislators favour reform and referendum in Fata.

MNA Shahabudin Khan and MNA Sajid Hussain Tori have recently held meetings with Prime Minister’s Advisor Amir Muqam and have demanded imposition of proposed Fata reforms package.

He said that Muqam has assured them that the premier is committed to reforms.

He said that he believes the government will also address Fazlur Rehman’s reservations.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2016.