Islamabad, October 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser said that prosperity and development in Ex-FATA will bring prosperity for the common people of FATA. He also said that changing environment of Ex-FATA region is interlinked with political consensus. Speaker Asad Qaiser said that the opinions of all stakeholders require to bring FATA out of challenges after merger. He said, “Ex- FATA needs special consideration especially in context of changing situation in Afghanistan”.
He also ensured provincial representatives that they will continue to make FATA a prosperous region. He also briefed the participants about three working groups that were made under committee on Development of FATA. He also said that national support is also compulsory for provision of fundamental necessities to people of FATA. He expressed these views while chairing the meeting of FATA and KPK public representatives to formulate recommendations for Ex- FATA development in Parliament House today.
Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said that political consensus and political input are imperative to resolve the issue of NFC and Seats of National Assembly. He said that Sindh and Balochistan need to be agreed. He said that census in FATA de jure method as de facto was not to be followed. He also said that tomorrow’s elders meeting with FATA. He also informed the participants about new projects of digitalization of land record in the whole KPK province. Senator Haji Ayub Afridi said that Funding for provision of basic health education requires funding and changing policy approach. MNA Dr Haider Ali appreciated the efforts of Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and recommended increasing Federal cooperation for 3 percent share in NFC.
MPA Mrs Naeema Asharat Sahiba remarked about spirit of Political inclusion of FATA was behind merger of FATA. She mentioned about the stalled bill in Senate regarding seats in National Assembly. She also raised objection regarding census method in FATA.MNA Mr Jawad Hussain it is the right of FATA people to have a three percent share of NFC for FATA development.
He also mentioned about stalled bill for FATA seats need to be looked into. MNA Khalid Hussain Magsi said that after merger FATA is now under constitution and out of the way solution are need of hour. He also said that politicization should be discouraged.
MNA Mr. Fakhar Zaman said that 54 billion and 6 billion from KPK. But promise of hundred billion allocation of Funds for FATA development is still in doldrums. He also said that 3 percent share of NFC should be priority. MNA Mr. Sajid Khan ex FATA is Bajour and Mohmand Agency has issues of demarcation as the issue of seats of National Assembly need to increase.
While mentioning the governance challenges, He said that such challenges need legislation and political will. He said that 18 new department are now functional in Ex- FATA. MNA Mr Gulzafar Khan two issues of funding of FATA and the issue of Seats of National Assembly. He also mentioned about this would strengthen provincial KPK funding capacity.
MNA Gul Dad Khan said that Ex- FATA has faced negative effects of turmoil situation in Afghanistan. He said that situation in FATA would affect the development of the whole country. He said that twelve seats of Ex-FATA be sustained. He said that census in FATA should be on the basis of De facto basis. He also said that special quota system should also be maintained for FATA people. He said that this need time to give basic facilities of the basic development in FATA.
MNA Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan said that the tribes interest be prioritized not of Government. He said that tribes are facing issues in Land record matters. He recommended for land record reforms to be initiated at the earliest.
He asked for funding from the Federal government for development in FATA. He also said that functionalization of judicial system in FATA is imperative to maintain peace in the region. He also said that not even basic education and health facilities have been provided to FATA people. He also mentioned police, judiciary and regulation matters.
Mrs Naeema Kishwar FATA merger is an achievement in itself. She said that women empowerment that not even a single female education or female health centre has been initiated. She also mentioned about reserve seats for FATA women must be increased. MNA Jamul-ul-Deen said that the purpose and benefits of merger are not visible on the ground. He also talked about the census issue if especially in FATA.
MPA Molana Salahuddin mentioned taking independent decision regarding FATA merger. He also said that it was foreseen that merger would bring peace but so far the dream of peace is a distant dream. While responding to a request of Roads schools and Health facilities, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser directed to present these issue in written form so that committee can pursue these matters.
MPA Wilson Wazir sb warmly expressed thankfulness for Speaker for Parliamentary ownership for bringing development in FATA. He also suggested such a special committee at the provincial level also. He said that minorities be special focused. Nisar Khan Mohmand MPA Mohmand Agency asked for inclusion of recommendations of provincial representatives.
Later on, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser also held meeting with both electronic and Print Media Representatives. While replying to the Question of Media Representatives, he said that this committee would continue to build consensus for the development of the Ex-FATA region and taking all measures to bring trade and employment opportunities for people of FATA.
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