Voice of dissent: Leaders denounce ‘social agreement’ for NWA IDPs

The agreement is an attempt to divide tribal people and stifle their voices, says Rehman

PESHAWAR:

Various political leaders have vowed to take up with the federal government their concerns regarding the ‘social agreement’ between the North Waziristan political administration and tribesmen returning back. 

During a jirga held in the provincial capital on Saturday, leaders vehemently opposed this social contract imposed on displaced persons who have returned to North Waziristan. The meeting was organised under the aegis of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl.

The party’s chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the agreement is an attempt to divide tribal people and stifle their voices.

“Whatever is happening in the tribal areas is neither in the interest of Pakistan nor the security establishment,” Fazl said. “We will ensure the government is made aware of the challenges faced by the region’s people.”

According to the JUI-F chief, the social agreement deprives tribesmen from returning to their homes with dignity. “They should be allowed to return home on the basis of equality and not forced to put their thumb impressions or signatures on agreements,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai said the tribal belt is the home of Pukhtuns and attempts to pawn away their rights will not be accepted. “The silence of Pukhtuns should not be misconstrued as cowardice,” he added.

A test of loyalty

Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq criticised the social agreement as an attempt to test the patriotism of Pukhtuns.

“Those who are trying to put Pukhtuns’ patriotism to test should put themselves through the same test,” he said. “The last time unrealistic conditions were imposed on people, we lost East Pakistan. The government should not forget these lessons.”

Siraj said terrorism is not indigenous to the tribal belt but has been imported from outside.

“A huge sum of money came to Pakistan for the tribal belt,” he said. “But it still does not have a university and medical college.”

Uncertain future

During the meeting, ANP General Secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain said Pak-Afghan region has turned into a gaming arena for international players.

“Forcing IDPs to take an oath of their patriotism would drive them away,” Hussain said. “Tribesmen should make decisions about the region’s future. We will support their decision.”

Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said the government should not impose conditions on the return of the tribesmen. “It should instead cater to the needs of the displaced population,” he added.

ANP senior leader Afrasiab Khattak said the social agreement is an insult to the displaced tribesmen which deprives them of their free will.

Blame game         

Meanwhile, a large number of tribal elders from North Waziristan and leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami took a swipe at JUI-F chief Maulana Fazl for giving priority to the plight of IDPs to gain an upper hand in the upcoming local government elections in K-P.

Speaking to journalists in Bannu, they said Fazal had not invited JUI-S chief Samiul Haq to the jirga as the latter believed in playing a proactive role in addressing problems faced by the displaced population.

With additional input from our correspondent in Bannu

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2015.