Seven Fata MNAs go missing

Published November 9, 2002

ISLAMABAD, Nov 8: Seven members-elect of the National Assembly from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) supporting the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal have reportedly gone missing.

The MNAs-elect had met Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday and complained to him about what they termed the continuous harassment and enticements by the provincial government officials.

The MNAs-elect include: Maulana Said Naik Zaman, Maulana Ghulam Mohammad, Maulana Abdul Malik, Maulana Merajuddin, Maulana Mohammad Sadiq, Maulana Haroonur Rashid and Maulana Khalilur Rahman.

Though under law they remain independent, the seven sympathise and support the JUI-F and, thus, the MMA.

Hafiz Hussain Ahmed, secretary general of the JUI(F), when asked about the whereabouts of these MNAs-elect said in a lighter vein, “you want them to be picked up by the ones from whom they have escaped and taken refuge.”