Caretaker PM emphasises on swift KP-FATA merger

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Nasir-ul-Mulk on Monday emphasised upon swift transition process in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to provide a sense of security to the people of the erstwhile tribal areas.

Chairing a meeting to review progress on implementation of FATA Reforms (FRs) in Islamabad, he stressed upon the need for addressing the important administrative, legal and financial issues in this regard.

He observed that the merger of FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a landmark development promising positive impact on addressing the development lag and bringing a marked improvement in the lives of the tribal people.

The meeting was briefed about various administrative, legal and financial issues that needed immediate attention to ensure a smooth transition of the merger process after the passage of the 25th Constitutional Amendment.

It was informed that agencies and FRs have been re-designated as Districts and Sub Divisions of KP province and the posts of Political Agents and Assistant Political Agents have been re-designated as Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners.

The meeting was told that with the abolition of Agency Development Fund, a collection of all taxes, levy and rahdaries has been stopped. The meeting was informed that draft plans for the extension of the judiciary, policing, prosecution and prisons service in the Tribal Districts have also been prepared.

It was informed about tax exemptions and other financial incentives that have been provided to the people of erstwhile FATA and PATA for the next five years.

A committee was also constituted under the chairmanship of Law Minister to formulate a strategy for removing bottlenecks and making the merger process easier.