Fata reforms will be implemented by PML-N govt, says PM

Says everyone wants settlement of Fata reforms issue, no one opposes Fata merger with K-P


APP December 17, 2017
PHOTO: REUTERS

KOHAT: Calling on the political elements to support the process of reforms in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said these reforms will be implemented by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government.

“The PML-N government has undertaken the initiative for mainstreaming of the tribal areas and introduced a bill in the National Assembly. The Fata reforms process will be implemented by the PML-N which will be another feather in its cap,” Abbasi said on Saturday.

The premier was addressing a public gather in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat district where he inaugurated women campus of the Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST).

Opposition demands bill for merger of Fata

Abbasi also performed ground-breaking of mega infrastructure development projects. These projects included dualisation of 128km section of Sarai Gambila-Kohat Road and dualisation of 73-km Pindi Ghab-Kohat Road and expansion and widening of Indus Highway at the cost of Rs32 billion.

Talking with reference to Fata reforms which include abolishing of draconian Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) and merger of Fata with K-P, the PM said everyone wanted settlement of the reforms issue. “No one opposes merger of Fata with K-P,” he claimed.

Obliquely referring to the speculations about premature dissolution of assembly and early polls, the PM said the elections would be held on time and that the PML-N government would complete its term.

“We will go to polls on the basis of our performance,” he said, adding, “Every week, completed mega projects are being inaugurated whereas several others are lined up.”

Abbasi claimed that the PML-N government firmly believed in serving the masses with concrete steps rather than ‘paying mere lip service’ to public aspirations and demands.

“The PML-N politics revolves around decency and truthfulness, and that is the reason why people throughout the country are witnessing a string of mega development projects,” he said.

Abbasi said people would support the PML-N on the basis of its performance in the next general elections to be held on time in 2018 after the completion of his government’s tenure.

“The PML-N always undertakes development works unlike its political opponents who only bank upon tall claims and politics of indecent talks,” he said, adding that the PML-N always talked about Pakistan, stood for the unity of the country and never divided brothers.

FATA bill: Opposition’s NA boycott enters fourth day

The prime minister recollected the tragic incident of Army Public School (APS) Peshawar three years back, and said after the tragedy, the political parties and Pakistan Army confronted the threat collectively with the support of the nation and defeated it.

He said the law and order situation in the country had improved manifold when compared with the situation in 2013. “Now, everyone feels secure. Our hard work and sacrifices for peace in the country have paid,” he added.

Addressing a function after inaugurating KUST’s women campus, the PM described the promotion of quality education as imperative for sustained economic progress and eradication of extremism.

“Responsibility rests on universities and colleges to prepare students for the upcoming challenges,” he added.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ