Army fully supports mainstreaming of FATA: Gen Bajwa

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday assured delegations from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) that the Pakistan Army fully supports mainstreaming of the region in line with aspirations of tribal brothers, said a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Delegations of tribal elders and youth jirga called upon the COAS at the ISPR office.

A detailed discussion with both delegations was held separately. The delegations acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan army’s sacrifices, efforts, and contributions to their respective views regarding the mainstreaming of FATA and the way forward.

The COAS also lauded tribal elders and youth for their determination and support to the Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism, the military’s media wing added.

General Bajwa said he valued the views of the tribal delegations regarding the future of FATA. He said that achievements through sacrifices of brave residents of FATA are being consolidated while the country transitions from relative stability to enduring peace.

The COAS also shared his engagement with the Afghan leadership for enhanced cooperation and security measures along the Pak-Afghan border.

General Bajwa advised the youth to continue playing their role towards peace and progress of FATA and Pakistan as they are the future leaders.

Commander Peshawar Corps, DG ISI, CGS, and other senior army officers were also present. 

Opposition irked by govt failure to present FATA Reforms Bill in NA

The government on December 12 failed to table a bill pertaining to FATA's merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, drawing the opposition's ire over the delay.

Lawmakers from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and those from FATA tore copies of the assembly agenda in protest over the delay and staged a walkout in the National Assembly.

MNA Shahabuddin, who is also a member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) from FATA, protested over the change in the assembly agenda. He was joined by other lawmakers from tribal areas. The protesting members said the agenda included the FATA Reforms Bill and questioned why it was changed.

Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, minister for parliamentary affairs, said a debate on FATA reforms was temporarily postponed and the matter would soon be made part of the assembly agenda.

"There is further consultation required on the bill, which is why it was not tabled," Aftab explained.

Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah also criticised the government for putting the matter on hold and referred to the entire episode as a "joke".

"Another joke was played today. The matter is under process since the incumbent government came into power and it is beyond comprehension as to why the matter was excluded from the agenda after its inclusion," Shah said.

"The entire nation wants FATA to become a constitutional part of the country, but the government is merely passing its time in the parliament."

JI threatens to stage sit-in if Fata not merged with KP 

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq on Tuesday said his party would stage a sit-in in Islamabad if the government fails to go ahead with the merger of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

"Residents of tribal areas want their rights, they want a merger with KP, and they want the abolition of Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR)," Haq said while addressing attendees of a long march in the federal capital's Faizabad vicinity.

He announced a protest in the federal capital on December 31 if the government fails to go ahead with the merger of FATA with KP.

"Residents of FATA are participating in a long march toward Islamabad, particularly the National Assembly with the basic objective of love for Pakistan and hatred for a system based on injustice, oppression, and FCR," he said.

FATA Reforms Bill

The recommendations to bring FATA at par with the rest of the country were approved at the Cabinet meeting on FATA reforms on March 2.

Once FATA is made part of KP, the province's share in the National Finance Commission will increase, as three percent will be earmarked for the region.

The KP Assembly had adopted a resolution on December 14, 2016, in favour of merging FATA with KP that would help rehabilitate and reconstruct the infrastructure including roads, communications, power lines, water supply, education and health facilities.