FATA watches from the sidelines as provinces scuttle for LG polls. PHOTO: FILE
Akhunzada Chitan, former MNA from Bajaur and Pakistan Peoples Party central executive committee member, has threatened to hold a long march if the elections are not held in Fata. “Residents have become a victim to militancy and it is important to empower the tribal people through local government.”
Fata Reforms Movement General Secretary Zahir Shah Safi said while all provinces are busy with local bodies elections, no paperwork has been done for the tribal agencies.
Safi said two draft bills have been prepared for Fata. The first was drafted in 2002 under which the first local government elections were held. The draft, however, does not fully authorise elected representatives to implement decisions such as the distribution of funds.
The second draft was prepared in 2012. The government had announced to introduce urban councils in Fata but the plan did not materialise. Safi criticised the 2012 reforms regarding urban councils and said all powers were focused in the hands of the governor and his representative political agent. He demanded a local body system whereby elected representatives have more authority in financial matters such as tax collection and public expenditure.
Social worker Mir Afzal Mohmand criticised the old system and said the government must consult elders on the matter. Agency councils and union councils in tehsils should be established, which should be extended to the Fata council if required, he said.
Political agents should only have authority in law and order matters, Safi said.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 31st, 2013.
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