KHAR: The PML-N, Fata chapter, has decided to launch a protest movement against the delay in introduction of the proposed reforms in Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

The announcement was made by PML-N lawmaker from Bajaur Agency, Shahabuddin Khan, while talking to media persons here on Saturday.

He said that the decision to start a protest movement against the delay in introduction of proposed reforms was taken during a meeting of senior leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Fata, a few days ago.

He said that PML-N MNA from South Waziristan, Ghalib Khan advocate and senior leaders from the entire tribal areas participated in the meeting.

Giving details, Mr Shahabuddin said that almost all participants had expressed their concern over the delay in implementation of the proposed reforms package.

He said that the reforms package had been recommended by the Fata reforms committee several months ago. He said that the protest would be most likely launched from Jan 15. He said that protest was the best option for the tribesmen to get their rights.

Mr Shahabuddin said that the PML-N Fata workers were optimistic that the protest would achieve its objectives and the colonial era governance system would be replaced with regular laws of the country in the tribal areas.

However, he clarified that the protest was intended to show that majority of the people in tribal areas was in favour of the proposed reforms.

Mr Khan said that the Fata PML-N workers had been advised to speed up their efforts to make the protest a success.

He said that in this regard a public meeting would be held on Jan 10 in Peshawar. He said that senior leaders of PML-N and other parties would also attend the meeting.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2017