Conference for FATA: ‘Decisions behind closed doors will be opposed’

JUI-F Chief demands tribespeople be consulted before reforms

PESHAWAR: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman on Sunday warned against taking any decision on the future of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas without consulting tribespeople.

He was addressing participants at a seminar paying tribute to the services of Mufti Mehmood.

Fazl asked the federal government to introduce constitutional reforms in the tribal areas but ensure all stakeholders are taken on board. “If you are serious, talk about it publically as any decision behind closed doors would be opposed,” he said. Fazl added it was the privilege of people in the tribal areas to be consulted and JUI-F would not let anyone usurp said that right.

Leaders of other political parties including Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani, Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Liaquat Baloch and Ghulam Ahmad Bilour of Awami National Party were also present.  However, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was not invited to the seminar and no party leader was present.

“You want constitutional reforms in Fata? Do it and JUI-F will never create hurdles in your way. Take bold decisions and we will convince the people to accept your decision,” he said. Talking about displaced families, he said they were leading miserable lives at camps. He demanded their early repatriation and reconstruction of their homes before introducing any law for Fata.

Talking about constitutional reforms, he said India gave its people a complete constitution within two years of independence, but continuous political turmoil and martial laws in Pakistan delayed a similar move till 1973.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 9^th, 2015.