11-point agenda: 10 parties push for FATA reforms

Joint political body demands democratic and constitutional rights.

KARACHI: Political Parties Joint Committee on Fata Reforms has announced an 11-point agenda for reforms in Fata and demanded that, like people of other areas of the country, the people of Fata be given legal, political, democratic and constitutional rights. The speakers at a discussion organized by the Political Parties Joint Committee on Fata Reforms on Sunday have appealed to all political parties of the country to support their agenda.

The discussion was addressed by leaders of ten political parties including Arsalan Hoti of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Akhundzada Chattan of Pakistan Peoples Party, Abdul Jalil Jan, Mufti Abdul Shakoor and Munir Orakzai of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), Suleman Afridi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Hashim Babar and Anisa Zaib Tahir Kheli of Qaumi Watan Party, Nawabzada Mohsin Ali Khan of National Awami Party, Saeed Qadir of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Sahibzada Haroonur Rashid, Zamoor Afridi and Abdul Rashid of Jamat-e-Islami and Ajmal Wazir of Muslim League-Q, Coordinator of Chief Minister Balochistan Jan Muhammad Buledi.

Aijazul Haque of Express Media Group, Sarmad Ali, Qazi Asad Abid, Aamir Zia, Nusrat Mirza, Iqbal Baloch, Zakir Baloch and representatives of other media groups also participated in the discussion.

The committee demanded that peace should be maintained in Fata and basic human rights provided to all tribal citizens through an amendment to Article 247 of the Constitution; additionally, the committee asked that legislation rights be transferred from president to parliament, local body elections in Fata be held, a comprehensive development and economic package be announced, the people be entrusted with the right to decide the future of Fata, Fata be brought under the purview of Pemra and the media be given access to Fata, jirga system should be made more democratic and independent, Actions in Aid of Civil Power Regulation should be abolished, the powers of the administration and the judiciary should be separated, citizens should not be deprived of their properties, the law of inheritance be implemented and the Khasadar and Levies forces be made more professional.

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sahibzada Haroon Rashid said that even though there are currently 12 members in the National Assembly and eight senators who belong to Fata, they do not have the right to introduce a bill or resolution regarding the region. He said that the right to make all the decisions in Fata lies with a Grade 19 officer who enjoys the authority to order imprisonment, exile, demolition of houses and even hanging a person and his decision cannot be challenged in any court of the country. Arsalan Hoti said that contrary to the past, the option of talks is being tried in this case and every possible effort will be made to avoid an armed operation.

Zamoor Afridi said drone strikes in Fata should end and the Tehreek-e-Taliban should be brought on board for any talks in order to make peace possible in the region. Aneesa Zaid Tahir Kheli added that action against all the criminals should be taken, be they Pakistanis or foreigners.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2014.