Islamabad (May 19, 2017): Former President and Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Friday announced to support every movement for the rights of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
Members of the parliament hailing from FATA including Haji Gul Afridi and Sajid Toori among others called on Co-chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in the federal capital.
During a meeting with members of parliament from Fata, he said that they are stood along the people of tribal areas to support the merger of Fata into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said that tribesmen will be given full support if they hold sit-in for their rights, adding, “We will raise voice for tribal areas on the floor of the House and outside the Parliament”.
The meeting deliberated over matter pertaining to postponement of the amendment that calls to merge FATA in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Zardari assured the visiting representatives of FATA that PPP would stand by them for their rights.
During the meeting, Zardari said that PPP does not acknowledge any ‘governor or permit rule’.
He announced to be part of a sit-in in Islamabad if the people of FATA decide to stage one for their rights. He further vowed to provide ‘Aftaar’ to the protesting people of FATA in case a demonstration is put up in the month of Ramadan.
Earlier this week, Zardari participated in Grand FATA Jirga held in Peshawar and admitted to his mistakes and injustice done to the tribal areas during past government of PPP that completed its tenure in 2008.
He asserted that the party would stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of FATA for their rights and not bow down at any cost.
Last week, Asif Zardari announced that PPP will merge FATA into KPK if his party comes in power again.
Addressing the workers in Peshawar, former president said that he has decided that FATA will be merged with KP, and rights will be given to FATA’s youth and women ─ “the same rights that are given to women in other provinces”.
“If we are given the opportunity we will give them their rights,” he added.
He also announced to establish PPP Secretariat in FATA.
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On March 4, the federal cabinet had approved recommendations put forth by the Federally Administered Tribal Areas reforms (FATA) committee.
The approval came during a crucial cabinet meeting under the chairmanship of prime minister Nawaz Sharif and senior officials including K-P Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra.
Later, PkMAP chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai opposed the merger of Fata with KP, terming it ‘an independent area.
On the other hand, All Fata Political Parties Alliance announced protest demonstrations throughout the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) against delay in the implementation of reforms in the tribal areas.
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PPP will merge FATA in KPK, if comes in power again: Zardari
