Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the amendments to the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and the extension of Political Parties Order 2002 to FATA are significant developments, which will have positive impact upon social and political set-up in the region.
Speaking to the FATA reforms at Aiwan-e-Sadar Gilani said that he was immensely pleased to address this distinguished audience at the historic occasion of introduction of political, administrative, legislative and legal reforms in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
This day represents the fulfilment of my promise that I made at the floor of the National Assembly three and half years ago. On this occasion, I would like to pay rich tribute to the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari whose unwavering commitment to the cause of people's empowerment has ushered in a new era for the people of FATA.
I would also congratulate Farooq H. Naek, chairman of the Cabinet Committee on FCR Reforms and other members of the committee who have done a commendable job by analysing each and every article of the FCR after holding detailed deliberations with all stakeholders. The fact that these reforms are being inaugurated in the holy month of Ramazan and two days ahead of 64th Independence Day has added sanctity to the occasion.
It may be recalled that Pakistan also came into being on the world map in the same month of Ramazan. These reforms are the initiatives of the democratic government to empower the people of FATA on the sacred occasion of Independence Day.
Coming after of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, 7th NFC Award, and Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order, the reforms in FATA are yet another crowning achievement of the present government to mainstream people of FATA. The FCR has been in place since 1901. The British designed this law to protect their colonial interests to perpetuate their rule. Since long, human rights organisations, civil society activists and people of the FATA region have been demanding amendments in the FCR.
In one of his judgements, Justice A.R. Cornelius dubbed this law as "obnoxious to all recognised modern principles governing the dispensation of justice." Despite this age-old demand, no government ever thought of bringing about amendments in this colonial law in accordance with aspirations of people. Being at the forefront of war against terrorism, FATA has been hit hard by a rising tide of militancy and extremism.
Poverty, unemployment and lack of socio-economic justice provide breeding ground for extremism and terrorism. FATA has been a neglected as well as exploited area in the past making it vulnerable to the forces of extremism and terrorism. The present government has always argued that a long-term and sustainable solution to the problem of terrorism and extremism is not possible without bringing people into the mainstream through political, legal, social and economic reforms. The provision of inexpensive justice to people at their doorsteps is a key to bring qualitative change in their lives.
The extension of Political Parties Order 2002 affords a unique opportunity to the people of FATA to freely engage in political process and play their active role in the national development. We have broken this myth that use of force is necessary to govern the people of FATA. This landmark decision of the government would strengthen the federation by creating political environment conducive for promotion of democracy that will ensure their effective participation in the decision-making process having bearing on their collective life.
Democracy in its very essence is pluralistic and seeks to protect diversity. It accommodates different elements and mindsets and binds them into a common destiny. Many of the predicaments, the country is faced with, including the menace of terrorism and extremism, have emerged due to lack of democracy. Democratic system derives its strength from the people who are the real stakeholders in the system. Therefore, empowerment of people at political, economic, and administrative levels is not a luxury but an imperative. The policies of the present government are geared to achieve these objectives. This historic day is a testimony to the commitment of the government of People's Party in this regard. After the extension of Political Parties Order 2002, the people of FATA would get an overdue opportunity to concentrate on the socio-economic uplift of the country in general and of the region in particular.
We cannot succeed in comprehensively eliminating terrorism and extremism unless we develop the physical infrastructure of the tribal agencies, including quality road networks, farm-to-market roads as well as energy and irrigation projects.
We cannot succeed unless we strengthen FATA's public education system to make FATA's students nationally and internationally competitive and improving school facilities.
In the same way, we cannot succeed unless we provide gainful employment opportunities to the people. I am happy to tell you that the government has increased the regular development budget of FATA to 15 billion rupees. I know this is not enough and keeping in view the economic constraints, we have made our best effort. It is a matter of satisfaction that the return of IDPs belonging to South Waziristan, Orakzai, Bajaur and Mohmand has begun. We would make sure that they are suitably rehabilitated. On my instructions, the Minister for SAFRON has started regular visits of FATA.
I would like to tell our allies that instead of demanding quick fix solutions, they need to partner with us for the socio-economic development of FATA. Together, we need to encourage economic activity through investment and growth.
The work on Reconstruction Opportunity Zones (ROZs) needs to be accelerated for maximisation of potential impact. I take this opportunity to mention that it was our leader, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who had a vision for FATA. He established the first Cadet College in Razmak, North Waziristan. He also pioneered work on linking the inaccessible areas with the rest of the country.
The government has launched the second Cadet College in Wana, South Waziristan and three more such colleges would be on ground very soon. Similarly, the government has started work on two highways of international standards. Work on two more is about to start. We shall ensure that all traditional routes of the historical passes are brought up to international standards to facilitate trade with Afghanistan, Central Asian States and beyond. In the end, I would again congratulate the people of FATA on this historic day.-PR