ISLAMABAD: The independent group of legislators from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is likely to support the controversial Reformed General Sales Tax Bill 2010 as talks between the two parties on Thursday succeeded.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani separately met the legislators from FATA. Source told Pakistan Today that the prime minister announced Rs 1 billion to used to set up a gas supply system to FATA, 2000 lugies (turbans) and an information technology university for the region.
However, the source said, the premier was unable to fulfill the demand of another ministerial position to Haji Munir Orakzai, the leader of the independent group, adding, “So he contacted the Presidency and arranged the group’s meeting with the president in the afternoon.”
The source said the meeting continued for around six hours, at the end of which all matters had been settled. The source said the delegation that met the president included Hameedullah Jan Afridi, Noorul Haq Qadri, Senators Eng Rashid Ahmed Khan, and MNAs Haji Munir Khan Orakzai, Sajid Hussain Turi and Jawad Hussain.
According to a press release, the president discussed the issues relating to the parliamentarians’ constituencies and their people, and reiterated the government’s commitment of focusing on socio-economic development of the region and creating new vistas of opportunities for the people, especially those were worst hit by the scourge of militancy. He said the people of FATA had rendered great sacrifices during the ongoing fight against terrorism and their hardships would be removed.
The president said the government was committed to winning the battle of hearts and minds in the area through providing better opportunities of education, jobs and other facilities. Earlier, Prime Minister Gilani praised the courage and commitment of the people of FATA in facing the challenges of terrorism and the support extended to the armed forces in this regard.
“The sacrifices made by the people of FATA are duly recognised by the entire nation,” he said. He assured the delegation that development works in FATA would be accelerated and preference would be given to the ongoing projects for early completion. He also assured that the Ministry of Interior will be directed to facilitate the people of FATA region in preparation of readable passports and ID cards.
