KOHAT: The members of Qabail Qaumi Tehreek from Darra Adamkhel have turned down the offer of the government about establishment of industrial zone in the area, extension of police system and holding provincial assembly elections.

Former MNA Haji Baz Gul Afridi told this scribe on Wednesday said that Governor Shah Farman called them on Tuesday and lured them to legalise the arms manufacturing system and continue the norms and traditions at the same time while providing all the rights and privileges enjoyed by the people elsewhere in the country.

“But we reject the proposal and want our centuries-old customs intact. The governor agreed to form another high level committee because we do not want any kind of interference from outside in the erstwhile FATA and live our lives like our ancestors free of any restrictions. Giving one provincial assembly seat to six frontier regions is also a joke with the tribesmen,” he said.

Former MNA says residents want to keep centuries-old customs intact

Mr Afridi said that Hameedullah Jan was the chairman of QQT and all tribesmen were united under its flag and were on one page against the merger of Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Deputy Commissioner Matiullah Khan, when contacted, said that the jirga of Darra Adamkhel presented its concerns before the governor, who heard them patiently and assured the jirga members that any law would be implemented with their consent as the traditional jirga might continue for more than five years.

He said that Levies would be trained to convert it into police force gradually within timeframe of one to two years. He said that all laws would be amended slowly after holding talks with the tribesmen.

According to the official, the governor had said that the traditional arms manufacturing industry in Darra Adamkhel would be developed into an industrial zone.

Further, he said, the products of the local workers and experts would be provided access to national and international markets as well as ensuring provision of quality raw material through legalised registration process.

The jirga comprised MNA Nasir Jamal, former federal minister Haji Baz Gul, deputy commissioner Kohat, elders, youth and students of all the six tribes of FR Kohat.

Senior officials of various nation building departments were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2019