ISLAMABAD: JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman Friday said the army operation in South Waziristan could only bring transitory peace and lasting peace in the region could only be ensured if US troops leave Afghanistan.

In an exclusive talk with APP here at the Parliament House, the religious party leader said peace in Fata and Afghanistan was inter-linked and unrest in Afghanistan would have its impact in Fata.

‘The government should launch a multi-pronged incentive package for the people of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata). Better awareness, facilities and employment opportunities coupled with socio-political reforms and development projects would have positive impacts in Fata,’ he added.

Fazlur Rehman called for the extension of the country's Constitution to the tribal belt, saying an end to tribalism was the answer to the problems being faced by the people of tribal belt.

‘I wonder why the government is reluctant to implement the joint resolution passed by the parliament vis-a-vis Fata. The rulers are reluctant to even review their policies and this is a negative omen,’ he added.

He said the US had invaded Afghanistan with ulterior motives and the western nations wanted to sweep away the resources of all the Islamic states.

‘Even in Pakistan, the politico-religious parties are under immense pressure from the government and so are the madrassas. The US in nexus with Pakistan army groomed the jihadis for fight against the Russian invasion, however, now they want the same jihadis to eliminate them. I think use of mere power is no answer to this quandary,’ he remarked.

Asked to comment on his party policy on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO), Fazlur Rehman said his party was against any discriminatory law and he had advised the government to withdraw the controversial law.

‘My party and MQM had advised President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani not to table the law in the parliament. However, we did not make our policy public as JUI-F Shura had not endorsed the version,’ he added.