Omar assures tribal Jirga of raise their issue in NA

Opposition Leader in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, assured the South Waziristan Mashiran Jirga on Monday that he would address their concerns regarding compensation for losses due to military operations in the National Assembly.

The Jirga members met Ayub at the Parliament House, accompanied by leaders including Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Member Asif Khan, and others.

The Jirga members highlighted issues arising from the closure of the Angoor Ada border, noting that these restrictions exacerbated their hardships. They also complained about the eight-year delay in compensation payments.

Ayub pledged to bring these issues to the National Assembly’s attention. He accepted an invitation from the Jirga to participate in a three-day Tribal Jirga in Islamabad. The Jirga also invited TTAP leaders to visit the former Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (ex-FATA).

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Asad Qaiser, speaking at the meeting, recalled that during his tenure as National Assembly Speaker, he had formed a special committee to address the challenges faced by residents of the Angoor Ada, Ghulam Khan, and Kharlachi borders. He committed to advocating for the tribal districts' issues across all platforms, emphasizing that restrictions on movement hinder economic development and increase unemployment.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai acknowledged the sacrifices made by the tribespeople for the country and expressed full support for the Jirga’s demands. He vowed to continue the struggle for the rights of the tribespeople both inside and outside the assembly.

Speaking on the occasion, Asad Qaiser said: “I will raise my voice at every forum for the resolution of the problems facing the people of tribal districts. Putting up barriers for people will stop economic development and increase unemployment in these areas.”