Members of the Tribal Loya Jirga (grand council) have announced complete support for a two day sit-in of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against US drone attacks, and called for the implementation of recommendations of FATA Reforms Council to immediately halt US drone attacks.
PPP’s coalition members in the National Assembly from FATA and members of the grand jirga, Akhunzada Chatan and Kamran Khan, also announced their support, saying they would participate in the PTI sit-in.
The PTI sit-in starts today (Saturday) on the Pak-Afghan highway at Hayatabad, aiming at blocking the NATO supply line for two days.
All provincial leaders of various political parties, except the ruling ANP and PPP, would be participating in the sit-in.
Addressing a tribal jirga on Friday, Chatan said the people of the Tribal Areas had been badly victimised and the growing US drone attacks had further complicated the problems of FATA. “All groups are united to bring FATA into the mainstream for an immediate resolution of the problems of the Tribal Areas,” Chatan said.
He said the tribal people had been specifically targeted by US drones, but the tribesmen would not tolerate American aggression anymore. “We will rise against drone attacks,” the parliamentarian said.
He said development and progress was not possible without the elimination of FCR draconian law.
“The tribal elders agree on the FATA reforms council, which can be helpful to extend the political parties act and protect basic human right in the Tribal Areas,” Chatan said. He said billions of rupees had been allocated for the development of FATA, but any mega project was yet to be initiated in the area.
PTI FATA chief organiser Dr Bashir said former president Gen (r) Pervez Musharraf had allowed the US to conduct drone strikes in the Tribal Areas, but the attacks continued until today. He said elected representatives had raised a voice against US predator strikes in the Tribal Areas because innocent tribesmen, including aged women and children, had been killed, while a large number had been left mentally distressed.
Dr Bashir said it was a matter of grave concern that a CIA contractor involved in a double murder case was let go scot-free. Mualana Neak Zaman of the JUI-F assured full support for Akhunzada Chattan’s efforts against US drone attacks. He said tribal elders would fully participate in the PTI’s two day sit-in.
