FATA reforms: Jirga seeks equal status, fundamental rights

Citizens’ declaration outlines proposals for reforms in FATA.

ISLAMABAD:

Participants of a ‘grand jirga’ (assembly) on Thursday called for implementation of reforms in the violence-hit Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and sought equal status and fundamental rights to the tribal people at par with other citizens of the country.

Representatives from tribal areas, civil society and political parties approved ‘Citizen’s Declaration for Fata Reforms’ at the assembly organised by the Shaheed Bhutto Foundation with an aim to bring the people of tribal areas into mainstream politics.

During a news conference, the participants demanded the implementation of amendments made to the Frontier Crime Regulations (FCR) in 2011.



“The constitutional provisions regarding Fata need to be amended so that Fata parliamentarians could play a key role in legislation pertaining to the tribal areas,” it stated.

The statement also declared that it is for the people of Fata to determine whether they want to integrate with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa or want a separate province.

The formation of a council through adult franchise with an aim to advise the President on Fata’s needs and the establishment of local government under Fata Local Government Regulation 2002, were also proposed at the assembly.

Other reforms include strengthening of khasadar, reserve seats for tribal women in parliament, extension of the Supreme Court and high court jurisdiction to Fata, implementation of press and publication ordinance, abolishment of Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulation 2011, promotion of education and setting up hospitals with modern facilities.

Some of the participants termed the suggestions a ‘wish list’, saying that none of the reforms could be enforced until the security situation improves on the ground.

“Tribal elders should meet the prime minister if they want enforcement of reforms in tribal agencies rather than the President whose tenure is ending in September,” Maulana Abdul Jalil Jan of the Jamaat-i-Islami told The Express Tribune. 

He said apart from legislation regarding FCR, all other demands will have to be catered to by the parliament.

Asad Afridi of Qaumi Watan Party said K-P, Fata and Pakhtun-dominated areas of Balochistan should be integrated into one unit to counter the militancy.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2013.