Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: In the backdrop of ongoing political wheeling and dealing in the country, the newly elected members of National Assembly from North and South Waziristan tribal districts Friday announced to remain independent in the parliament.

“But, simultaneously we will extend unconditional support to any party which takes steps to resolve our long pending demands,” MNA Ali Wazir from South Waziristan told a press conference in Islamabad. He said their prime demand is restoration of peace in the region. “This issue will be raised on the floor of parliament in line with the constitution of the country,” he asserted.

“The war-weary people of the tribal areas have reposed overwhelming confidence in us … and we have to play due role to restore peace and ensure writ of the government in the region,” Wazir said. “Each tribal family is getting Rs 400,000 as compensation for its damaged house, but we reject this meagre amount. It should be increased considerably. Can you get me a single room plastered with this amount,” he questioned.

He suggested that all the political parties should refrain from buying and selling of newly elected candidates rather focus on chronic issues facing the country. “I appeal to political parties to shun the politics of self-interest and unite for the greater cause of serving the country,” he added. He said a sudden spike in targeted killings in the tribal belt is really a matter of concern because the military has already carried out a series of operations to purge the area of anti-social elements. “We have been begging for peace … we want life free of terror. We will press for our demands this time on the august floor of the parliament,” he added.

He said except for a few roads which were built with the USAID funds, the infrastructure of the entire tribal region is in dilapidated condition. “The new government should focus on rebuilding the shattered infrastructure of tribal areas to minimize the scale of miseries of our people,” he remarked.

To a question, he said they are part of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) and that Manzoor Pashteen is their leader.

Wazir said they may support Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in election for the prime minister’s slot in the wake of any decision taken by the PTM. “We will support either the government or opposition benches keeping in view the larger interests of our area and people,” he remarked.

Published in Daily Times, August 4^th 2018.