JUI-F demands referendum for FATA’s merger with KP

PESHAWAR: Rejecting demands of political parties regarding the merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Jamiat Ulema Islam Fazal (JUI-F) tribal leaders reiterated to hold a referendum in this regard.

Speaking at a press conference at Peshawar Press Club (PPC) on Friday, Haji Syed Jan said that the JUI-F did not oppose the merger of the region of ill-fated tribal people with the province, but emphasized that a referendum was necessary.

The referendum, he said, was the only way to include choices of the tribesmen, whether they want to become a part of the province or not, which was being deprived by demanding the merger.

Accompanied by other leaders of the party including Syed Kabeer, Ashraf, Haji Ishaq and Siffat Shah, he said the party had been demanding the annulment of the black law Frontier Regulatory Authority (FCR) and welcomed ‘FATA reforms’, but strongly opposed the merger sans opinions of the tribal people.

“When former dictator Pervez Musharraf could hold a referendum to protect him for the presidential slot illegally and unconstitutionally, then why not it can be held for a better future of petrified tribal people,” he questioned. “Those political parties which want a merger of the tribal region with KP, in fact, want to keep them further backward,” he blamed.

Dispelling the misperception that the JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman was opposing the merger of FATA, he made it clear that the party’s stance was to strongly support the tribal agencies’ stride but it would be possible only through their inclusion in taking any sort decision regarding the region.

Appreciating Tehsildar Shakeel Barqi for delivering services to the tribal people, he said due to the efforts of the present political administration, peace was restored in the Khyber Agency. “I announce Umra ticket for the tehsildar for his great performance in serving the masses and restoration of tranquillity,” he praised.

Replying to a query, he said that there is no doubt that in presence of the FCR, no referendum could be held but JUI-F wants abrogation of such draconian law, which he added was usurping all kind of basic human rights.

Responding to another question, the JUI-F leader said, “If chief operating officer is being deputed in tribal region, who would have the power of governor, additional chief secretary and to whom the tribesmen would demand.”