PESHAWAR, Sept 9: The long-standing demand of tribal people was met on Monday as the powers of federal ombudsman were extended to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

The notification to this effect has been issued by the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (Safron).

The decision would bring Fata under the jurisdiction of higher judiciary for the first time in the country’s history.

It is pertinent to mention here that 30 years after establishment of the office of federal ombudsman its jurisdiction was extended to Fata. Under the new system tribesmen would be able to approach the office of federal ombudsman against Fata Secretariat and its subsidiary organisations working under it. — APP