PML-N, PTI demand end to plight of tribesmen
Seek resignation of K-P governor for failing to address their needs.
Seek resignation of K-P governor for failing to address their needs. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD IQBAL/FILE
PESHAWAR:
Condemning the use of force to disperse protesters demonstrating against the alleged killing of 18 tribesmen by security forces in Khyber Agency earlier this week, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday said military operations in the tribal areas had only added to the woes of tribesmen.
In a news conference held at the Peshawar Press Club, PML-N leader from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) Haji Zahir Shah demanded the provincial government to announce monetary compensation for families of Khyber Agency displaced as a result of military operations.
Calling for the safe repatriation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their hometowns, Shah also urged the administration to take steps to resume economic activities by lifting the curfew in the restive agency.
“Instead of bringing normalcy, military operations and curfews have further worsened the situation in Khyber Agency. We will not tolerate the genocide of innocent tribal people. It must be stopped.”
Flanked by tribal elders and other party leaders, Shah accused the government of “minting dollars on the blood of tribal people.”
“The major issues of unemployment, law and order and price hikes still remain unresolved in the country,” he said.
Referring to the protesters who brought 15 bodies of those killed in Bara to the sit-in outside the Governor House on Wednesday, Shah said: “It was immoral to use force against the peaceful demonstrators.”
The police had resorted to baton charge and tear gas to disperse participants of the sit-in late Wednesday night after they demanded an immediate end to military operations in their area. Shah demanded the resignation of the K-P governor for failing to address the prevailing situation.
In a separate news conference, also held at the Peshawar Press Club, PTI’s Fata chapter demanded an end to military operations in the tribal areas.
“Tribesmen are not terrorists, but patriotic and honest citizens of this state. They play an important role in protecting the border regions,” said PTI’s chief organiser in Fata, Dr Mohammad Bashir.
Dr Bashir said locals had been deprived of basic education, health and other facilities. He, too, added the K-P governor should resign.
“If the United States wants to hold talks with the Taliban, why can’t Pakistan’s government use similar means to restore peace in the region, particularly Fata?” he questioned.
Dr Bashir alleged that funds meant for development in the region were being embezzled and demanded donors to keep a check on misappropriation of funds.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2013.
Condemning the use of force to disperse protesters demonstrating against the alleged killing of 18 tribesmen by security forces in Khyber Agency earlier this week, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday said military operations in the tribal areas had only added to the woes of tribesmen.
In a news conference held at the Peshawar Press Club, PML-N leader from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) Haji Zahir Shah demanded the provincial government to announce monetary compensation for families of Khyber Agency displaced as a result of military operations.
Calling for the safe repatriation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their hometowns, Shah also urged the administration to take steps to resume economic activities by lifting the curfew in the restive agency.
“Instead of bringing normalcy, military operations and curfews have further worsened the situation in Khyber Agency. We will not tolerate the genocide of innocent tribal people. It must be stopped.”
Flanked by tribal elders and other party leaders, Shah accused the government of “minting dollars on the blood of tribal people.”
“The major issues of unemployment, law and order and price hikes still remain unresolved in the country,” he said.
Referring to the protesters who brought 15 bodies of those killed in Bara to the sit-in outside the Governor House on Wednesday, Shah said: “It was immoral to use force against the peaceful demonstrators.”
The police had resorted to baton charge and tear gas to disperse participants of the sit-in late Wednesday night after they demanded an immediate end to military operations in their area. Shah demanded the resignation of the K-P governor for failing to address the prevailing situation.
In a separate news conference, also held at the Peshawar Press Club, PTI’s Fata chapter demanded an end to military operations in the tribal areas.
“Tribesmen are not terrorists, but patriotic and honest citizens of this state. They play an important role in protecting the border regions,” said PTI’s chief organiser in Fata, Dr Mohammad Bashir.
Dr Bashir said locals had been deprived of basic education, health and other facilities. He, too, added the K-P governor should resign.
“If the United States wants to hold talks with the Taliban, why can’t Pakistan’s government use similar means to restore peace in the region, particularly Fata?” he questioned.
Dr Bashir alleged that funds meant for development in the region were being embezzled and demanded donors to keep a check on misappropriation of funds.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2013.