Daily Times

KHYBER AGENCY: Tribal elders on Sunday demanded that the government introduce reforms before October 9 and merge the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) otherwise they will stage a sit-in in Islamabad.

In a mammoth gathering in Paka Tara area of Bar Kamber Khel of Tehsil Bara, Khyber Agency, the FATA leaders launched FATA reforms movement to win rights for the tribal belt. They criticised the government for adopting delaying tactics to introduced FATA reforms.

The meeting was organised by Member National Assembly (MNA) NA-45 Haji Shahjee Gul Afridi and was attended by MNA Shahabuddin, former parliamentarians, lawyers, students and leaders of different political parties. Addressing on the occasion, speakers asked the government to immediately abolish the century-old British law FCR.

Putting their demands before the government, the speakers stressed for forthwith merging of FATA into KP, province, provision of representation in the provincial assembly of KP and allotment of 3% part to FATA in NFC National Finance Commission (NFC) award.

The tribal leaders unanimously agreed to begin FATA reforms movement to safeguard interests of the tribal belt.

They pronounced deadline that if their demands were meet before 9th of October, than they would have no other option but to set off a set- in in Islamabad.

Separately, Teachers Union Landi Kotal condemned arrest of 5th grade student under the draconian law Frontier Crimes Regulation. In the wake of a bombing in Matha Khel security forces arrested 31 people, including the student.

In a press statement, Union President Sharifullah Afridi and Press Secretary Arshad Ali said that the administration along with forces detained 5th class student Iqtidar s/o Gul Zad Khan. Security agencies violated charter of fundamental human rights by putting the student behind the bars, they remarked. Coming hard on the administration they added that it was the duty of the Khasadar and Levies force to maintain peace in the area and in case of any miscreants act, they should be hold responsible and not the local tribesmen.

The union office-bearers demanded that the authorities concerned release the detained student as soon as possible.

Tehsildar Landi Kotal Tehseenullah confirmed the imprisonment of the student and said he would be free after clearing by investigation agencies.

Meanwhile, Al-Khidmat Foundation initiated a day-long camp to collect donations for Rohingya Muslims in Landi Kotal bazaar on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, Landi Kotal Al-Khidmat President Wahid Gul and Jamaat-e-Islami chief Murad Hussain said, “Being Muslims it is our religious duty to extend every possible support to the Rohingya Muslims.”

Published in Daily Times,September 25^th 2017.