Tribesmen inhabiting large swaths of frontier region of NWFP province strongly believe in the smooth functioning of democratic institutions and their presence in the federal cabinet through their elected members to promote tribesmen's trust in the PPP-led government.
Member of National Assembly from frontier region of Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, Engineer Zafar Baig Bittani expressed these views during an interview with APP here Sunday. He said though a representation was given to Fata members but the elected representatives from FRs also hope to be included in the federal cabinet to highlight the issues faced by the tribal belt.
He said that under certain conditions in the tribal belt, it would be an apt move on part of the federal government to further win the hearts and minds of tribesmen inhabiting FRs "Such step would enable the representatives from these areas to have a say in their matters more effectively," he added.
Referring to Fata and FRs members meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, he said that they had informed the President that tribesmen always wanted a stable, prosperous and democratic country and would continue to support all such moves which would help achieve these national goals.
Citing further reasons for his demand, he said FRs served as buffer zone between the tribal areas and the settled districts. He said it could be called the longest constituency of the country starting from FR Peshawar to FR D I Khan up to Iranian border in Balochistan province.
"There are six FRs including FR Peshawar, FR Kohat, FR Bannu, FR Lakki Marwat, FR Tank and FR D I Khan, covering rough terrain of the province with large population, but so far they have no representation in the federal cabinet" he added.
Bittani said unlike Fata areas where Political Agents control matters, FRs matters are being looked after by the District Co-ordination Officers. The members of National Assembly from Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) are in favour of all such steps aimed at strengthening democratic institutions of the country.
He also called upon the ruling coalition to take unanimous stance on all important national issues and foil machinations of those who were manoeuvring to create dissension among the segments of society.