–Ali Wazir says final decision regarding demolition of houses will be taken on Feb 5
ISLAMABAD: Member National Assembly (MNA) Ali Wazir has ordered demolishing houses of pro-military tribal elders in North Waziristan, who he says gave false statements on an incident that took place in Khaisor.
The issue sprang up in the backdrop of a public rally in Khaisor area of North Waziristan a few days back which was held in response to an appeal by Hayat Wazir against the alleged harassment of his family members by security personnel.
Following the rally, Wazir Jirga was held which declared the accusations of the family against security forces baseless and concocted. The jirga also pledged to look into the matter and decide on a future course of action itself, telling other tribes to not interfere.
Following the Wazir Jirga, MNA Ali Wazir called an independent jirga of Wazir tribes hailing from different cities and declared that the tribal elders at the Wazir Jirga had lied and falsely defended the security forces, hence as a punishment their houses would be demolished under tribal traditions.
He asked the participants to provide two to four individuals per family to demolish the houses of four pro-government tribal elders of Ali Khel who had rejected allegations against the security personnel. The tribal elders included Malik Umer, Malik Noor Rehman and Malik Raza Khan.
Sources said that the announcement by an elected representative to demolish houses of tribal elders has heightened tension in the area. Following the announcement, local tehsildar and assistant commissioner reached the area and negotiated with the residents.
Necessary security arrangements have also been taken, including the deployment of extra troops, to avert any untoward situation and prevent the planned demolition.
“The authorities have warned the residents that anyone found indulged in the illegal activity will be charged for terrorism, inciting people to damage public property and against government institutions besides creating a sense of insecurity among the people,” they added.
Speaking to Pakistan Today, Ali Wazir confirmed that the Wazir Jirga ordered demolition of houses of those elders who had allegedly made false statements regarding the unfortunate incident. He said that a few elders had also accepted their fault and so the matter had been deferred till February 5.
The jirga, Wazir added, would now decide on Tuesday if the demolition is to go as planned or a fine is to be imposed. “But they will not be spared.”
