Having none of it: FATA leaders say no to agency councils

Say ‘unlimited powers’ would be given to political administration under reforms

JAMRUD: Leaders from across the political spectrum rejected the agency and FATA councils proposed for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and demanded local government elections in tribal areas.

A number of supporters of Pakistan Peoples Party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, Jamaat-e-Islami, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Awami National Party from across Khyber Agency and other parts of Fata were part of the demonstration near Khyber Pass on Sunday.

Over 1,000 people participated in the rally which was headed by MNA Alhaj Shah Jee Gul Afridi, PPP leader Akhunzada Chitan, JI Fata leader Zar Noor Afridi, ANP leader Arbab Tahir, JUI-F leader Jalil Jan among others. Some protesters held placards inscribed with slogans against the councils, while others demanded LG polls.

Speakers said the proposed agency councils were a byproduct of the Frontier Crimes Regulation. They said under the proposed system, the political administration would have unlimited powers. The senior political figures believed this would increase the sense of deprivation among tribespeople.

They pointed out the political parties order has been extended to Fata and there should be no complications in conducting LG polls there. They urged the governor to negotiate with political leaders to hold elections in Fata. The demonstrators vowed not to allow any law to be imposed which goes against their basic rights.

Peace march

Meanwhile, residents from Ghundi area of Jamrud took out a peace march from Pump House area to Lashora.

The march was organised by social workers Awal Sher and Sher Shah Afridi, both residents of the area. The aim was to pay tribute to security forces as they had restored peace in the tribal area after rendering massive sacrifices.

Sher Shah Afridi told the media that unrest had reached an extreme, but armed forces managed to restore peace.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2015.