If sitting government was serious on FATA reforms, then there should have been any mention on FATA reforms in the last day announced Budget. This was stated by Senator Farhatullah Babar, while chairing a seminar, "Backtracking on FATA reforms" arranged by Shaheed Bhutto Foundation at National Press Club, Islamabad. "There is no single itemized mention, from where one can draw a conclusion of any seriousness on reforms," he said.
He advised that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, if he truly wishes to get rid of loudening slogan of 'Go Nawaz Go', he should immediately introduce the FATA reforms, where a holistic consensus already exists across country that may provide him an opportunity to be welcomed by all.
He also regretted that how banned elements like Maulvi Nazir very recently have declared that they may not allow any political activity in the FATA. "If all terrorists are wiped out, why and how such voices echo from there," he added. He also told to the audience that there was a rumored speculation that the military was not serious on FATA reforms. However, in recent Corps Commander's conference, reforms on FATA were demanded, later through a formal and issued press release. "Only two political allies of sitting government, not military leadership, opposed to the reforms," he added.
Earlier, he lamented that it was very unfortunate that after so many announcements on FATA reforms, nothing in practical had happened. "We had Peshawar High Court decision and unanimous resolution of KP Assembly on FATA reforms. Whatever we had in hand and from where we had moved was reversed with the recent retreat of sitting government," concluded Farhatullah Babar.
Alhaj Shah Jee Gul Afridi, an MNA from FATA said all the tribes were thanked to the Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who for the first time reached in every corner of the FATA; provided some basis amenities even at that time. "We were taken out of caves to homes by the Bhutto," he proudly shared. He shared that the sitting government and all other political parties were closely working on moving forward on the front of FATA reforms. "All of sudden, something unforeseen happened and everything went on off mode," he deplored. "This needs to be restarted and for this every political force will have to add its voice and exert its influence," he concluded.
Sajjad Hussain, an MNA from FATA, counted that Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Mehmood Khan Achakzai were the two barriers on the path of reforming FATA. However, he briefed that how the tribes from there were lurking for the mainstreaming and were demanding an equal treatment with the rest of country. "20 billion for laptops for the students has been announced in this budget, however, not a single penny is earmarked by the sitting government for FATA students," he disclosed. Therefore, he also warned that, if reform process was reversed, then they would launch a movement and that may not end merely with the token agitations.
Former MNA of PPP from FATA Akhundzada Chittan said before 9/11, this entire tribal belt of FATA was very peaceful. "It was turned into hell, as the American attacked on Afghanistan and this belt started converting a safe heaven to what we call Taliban's," he added. He warned that until and unless FATA was not made mainstreamed, the peace in rest of Pakistan would remain a dream. "For the sake of peace all over, let's end the troubles of FATA and start its gradual mainstreaming," he added.
A tribeswoman, Shahida Shah managing a network of FATA women, named Khor, shared the shocking details of tribeswomen and told; women were the worst victim besides kids and persons with disabilities. "I have traveled from FATA for attending today's event; as a mother and daughter of FATA, I reiterate demand, for considering us equal citizens, that is also named FATA reforms," she added.
Naveed Ahmed Shinwari, a civil society activist also considered an authority on FATA, demanded that on the draft bill of FATA reforms, the perspectives from civil society also needed to be added and assured his full cooperation with the parliamentarians on the amendments with regards to the existing FATA reforms draft.
Earlier both speakers and attendees were welcomed by Sikandar Ali Hullio, Chief Executive Officer, Shaheed Bhutto Foundation. He also told to the participants that why and how the reversal on sitting government's backtracking was crucially needed. "For the first time in the history of country, there was strong hope early this month when the FATA reforms bill, Rewaj Act, was tabled in the National Assembly, in the light of recommendations by sitting government's owned formed Committee on FATA Reforms and broader consensus, unfortunately, all has been put on hold," he concluded.-PR