–Imran says new system will work parallel with old system
PESHAWAR: As Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) are all set to enter the mainstream, Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured the local tribesmen that traditions and customs of the tribal belt won’t be affected by the proposed reforms in the wake of 25th Amendment.
In a meeting with a group of tribal elders at the Governor House in Peshawar, the prime minister assured that the issues of the people from tribal regions will be resolved in accordance with their customs.
He said before the war on terror the system of tribal areas was working smoothly, adding the new system will work in parallel with the old system.
He also assured that the alternate dispute resolution system had worked in KP in the past five years and promised that the same will be implemented in the newly merged tribal areas as well. He said the local bodies system implemented in KP was similar to the one followed by the tribal district, where every area governs its own matters.
In line with the new local bodies system, the prime minister said every village will be provided funds and people will be empowered at the grassroots. The prime minister said with the increased number of seats, the people of tribal areas will get more representation in both federal and provincial governments.
The prime minister further said that the people of tribal areas will get more representation in the national and provincial assemblies, thanks to the 26th Amendment Bill, moved by an independent lawmaker from South Waziristan, a tribal district.
The bill was approved by the National Assembly and now awaits the same in Senate.
The premier acknowledged that the residents of tribal areas had faced numerous challenges in the past years due to militancy and highlighted their “sacrifices for the country during the war against terrorism”.
He said the tribal people have given huge sacrifices for the peace in the motherland and all their issues will be resolved. He appreciated the role of tribal elders and leaders and said they preserved peace in their areas.
KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and Governor Shah Farman were also present during the meeting. The prime minister held separate meetings with other KP lawmakers as well.
SHAUKAT KHANUM FUNDRAISING EVENT:
The premier also attended a fundraising event for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar.
KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and Governor Shah Farman were also present during the meeting. The prime minister held separate meetings with other KP lawmakers as well.
