ISLAMABAD, June 22: Advi-ser to the Prime Minister on Interior Rehman Malik said on Sunday that there was no problem between Sunni and Shia sects in Fata and a ‘third party’ was fanning sectarianism in the area. Talking to reporters outside the National Assembly, he said a couple of days ago a convoy of relief goods sent by the federal government to Fata had been attacked by some militants.

“The goods were to be distributed among people without any discrimination. Therefore, I believe the attack was not from any of the groups but by those who wanted to destabilise the government,” he said. He said that security forces retaliated, causing some casualties on the militants’ side.

Mr Malik said the government wanted to establish its writ in Fata but on the other hand it wanted to upgrade the living standard of people in the area.

“The government will form Benazir Foundation in the tribal area to help needy people,” he said.

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...