Fata Electioneering: Candidates lay focus on reforms

The candidates indicated willingness to work for large-scale development, more schools and basic women’s rights.

ISLAMABAD:

Candidates for NA-36 Mohmand Agency said politicians must keep working toward reforms for Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

They were speaking at a forum conducted by Radio Mashaal on Monday, with four independents and one party candidate participating.

Independent Gul Nawaz Khan said the previous government made some efforts to reform the draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR). In 2012, the government introduced amendments in the FCR, allowing political parties to field candidates in Fata.

But there is still a long way to go, Khan said.

The candidates also indicated willingness to work for large-scale development, more schools and basic women’s rights.

“My priority will be to work for displaced persons and compensate people whose homes were damaged during military operation,” PTI candidate Daud Halimzai said.

“No doubt security is bad in Fata, but it has been safe in Mohmand,” said Nisar Mohmand, an independent.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 23^rd, 2013.