ISLAMABAD: The introduction of the local government system by President Asif Ali Zardari on the eve of Pakistan's 65th independence anniversary on Monday has evoked public appreciation in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).

According to a private Radio, tribesmen consider the long awaited move as a welcome step.

They expect that the introduction of the self-government system in Fata will bring them at par with other parts of the country, end sense of deprivation among them, provide them an opportunity of choosing representatives of their own choice for settling problems at doorstep, and changing lifestyle and fortune of the tribal people.

Identifying himself as Muhammad Ghani, a resident of Khyber Agency said, “People of tribal areas demand equal rights of representation as elsewhere in Pakistan. They hope that representatives of their own choice will settle their problems at doorstep.”

Said Alam, a resident of Mohmand Agency said, “We welcome the introduction of local government system in tribal areas as it is in the interest of the people of tribal areas.

It will save time and money of the tribesmen. Instead of going to Islamabad, they can now knock the door of the elected Nazims for redressing their grievances. We consider the move as in the interest of people of tribal areas.”

The Head of the Fata grand alliance Khan Marjan said , “We welcome the introduction of reforms in Fata.

Terming the introduction of the LGs as a good step, Chairman of the United Tribal Party Habib Malik Orakzai said, “Unlike previous system run under the supervision of political agent, the newly introduced LG system should have its roots in public.

People should have the right of vote for electing representatives of their own choice.”