PESHAWAR/KHAR: Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said that decision of federal government about future of Federally Administered Tribal Areas is quite vague.

“In the prevailing situation, the government would be unable to give representation to tribal people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly during next general elections,” he told Dawn.

Mr Sherpao said that government should merge Fata with the province instead of using ambiguous words if it really wanted to bring change in fate of tribal people. He said that government should devise a mechanism by announcing financial resources to put Fata on path of development. “We will be able to comment once the government discloses the details of the decision,” he added.

He said that that his party’s stand was very clear in that regard. He said that QWP would not compromise on rights of tribal people.

However, Adviser to Prime Minister Eng Amir Muqam welcomed the decision of government about future of Fata. He described it a historical step of federal government for welfare of tribal people.

Mr Muqam, who is also senior vice president of PML-N, said in a statement that merger of Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a commendable step and its credit went to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He said that Fata would get additional grant of Rs110 billion for 10 years and tribal people would get representation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly during 2018 general elections.

Mr Muqam said the decision was taken according to the wishes of tribal people. None of the other political parties ever dared to take such revolutionary step, he added.

Meanwhile, the people of Bajaur Agency lauded the government for approving Fata reforms package and termed it the beginning of a new era for tribesmen.

Soon after the meeting of federal cabinet, people came out from their homes and took out processions to welcome the decision.

The jubilant tribesmen distributed sweets and congratulated each other. They termed it a historical decision of the government.

“We are very glad to hear that government has finally approved the reforms package for Fata. Now we will be able to enjoy our basis rights,” they said.

Saifullah Khan, president of Fata Research Centre, said that the package seemed to have something for all the stakeholders. He said that the timeframe given for complete merger of Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was realistic.

Qari Abdul Majeed, president of All Bajaur Political Parties Alliance, said that Fata reforms package would not only help to provide basic rights to tribal people but would also improve socio-economic conditions of the region.

He said that approval of Fata reforms by the federal cabinet was a victory of tribesmen as it was their longstanding demand. He said that the government’s decision would help to improve living standard of tribal people.

PTI leader Nawabzada Jalaluddin Khan also welcomed the decision and termed it begging of a new era for tribal people.

However, he expressed concerns over implementation of Riwaj Act in tribal areas and asked the government to explain it. “No one in tribal areas has knowledge of the Act,” he added.

Asadullah Khan, chairman of Raise Voice against FCR, also thanked the government for approving the package. He said that extension of jurisdiction of judiciary to tribal areas would help to ensure social justice in Fata.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2017