ISLAMABAD: Chairperson of Paiman Trust Shafqat Mehmood on Wednesday said Fata merger was a positive step but it was a high time to listen to people of Fata to recognize them as key stakeholders in the process of merger and integration.

Member Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi stressed the need of speeding up the merger process and involving all stakeholders onboard to make it effective and inclusive.

Youth from Fata in their speeches welcomed the merger and highlighted the need for including youth in the process. A youth political leader Humayoun, from South Waziristan said, “We want merger and would not let anyone to create hurdles in this process.”

Ishaq from Mohmand Agency and Ejaz from Orakzai Agency spoke about the hardship and difficulties in accessing education institutions, lack of opportunities and FCR that haunted them for decades.

A speaker Adnan Shinwari asked government to hold local government elections immediately to give locals a say in decision making of their area.

Sameena Afridi and Hina Shinwari stressed on providing educational opportunities for women and asked government to take affirmative actions in mainstreaming women in socio-political and economic policies and programs.

Published in Dawn, December 13th, 2018