LANDI KOTAL, June 23: Local tribesmen have reacted indifferently to Pervez Ashraf’s election to the prime minister, saying there were little expectation of him relieving their growing anxiety over high inflation, excessive energy crisis and joblessness.

Some, however, said the smooth election of the new prime minister would strengthen democratic process in the country.

Zarrawar Khan, an elder of Zakhakhel tribe, told Dawn that he expected no economic or energy miracle during Mr Ashraf’s eight months stint as the prime minister.

“The new political setup will continue with the policies of (former PM) Yousaf Raza Gilani,” he said.

The elder complained besides lawlessness, Fata also faced excessive loadshedding.

He said since Mr Ashraf had failed to deliver as the water and power minister, expecting him to do something tangible for resolving energy crisis would be misplaced.

“We don’t hold out much hope,” he said.

Hassamuddin, an elder of Khugakhel tribe, said Fata would continue bleeding as the new political dispensation appeared to have no authority whatsoever to pull military troops out of the mountainous region for peace.

“Thousands of innocent tribesmen have lost their lives in the so-called war on terror, which is imposed on us,” he said, adding that the new prime minister would be no different from his predecessor.

Mohammad Sudher, a teacher, complained that the Gilani government miserably failed to enforce amendments to the FCR. He said it wouldn’t be possible for the Pervez-led government to ensure accountability of the all-powerful political administration to the relief of local tribesmen.

“Tribesmen are not interested in the change of faces in Islamabad as they’ll continue to live in the oppressive system. They aren’t allowed to raise voice against the misuse of powers by political agents,” he said.

Awami National Party, Khyber Agency, president Shah Hussain Shinwari, however, said smooth election of the new prime minister would prove a good omen for democracy. He said people should support democratic forces and discourage those, who were hell-bent on derailing democracy.

A local ex-councilor, Hazrat Wali, said he was optimistic that the new prime minister would restore peace in Fata by all means and allocate more funds for the region’s development.