PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has said that Fata’s merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a welcome development which will usher the tribal belt into a new era of development.

He urged the tribal people to step up coordinated efforts for uplift of KP to overcome the growing problems pertaining to unemployment and poverty.

Mr Sherpao shared these views while speaking with a delegation of Fata youth here on Tuesday, according to a statement.

Congratulating the people, especially the youth of Fata on the merger of Fata with KP, Mr Sherpao said the decision was of great importance and it would mark a new beginning for the entire region. He said the merger would put the tribal region on path of development in different sectors, including education, healthcare, economic activities as well governance issues.

The QWP chief said tireless efforts and continued struggle of the political parties and hard work of Fata youth made possible the resolution of the longstanding demand of Pakhtuns. He said the tribal people had a long history of struggle for the cause of Pakistan, rendering matchless sacrifices in the war against terrorism during the past many years.

He said now the time had come when all the Pakhtuns got united for their rights.

He said the merger would help eliminate terrorism in the tribal region.

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2018