As part of consultation with political parties on implementation of FATA Reforms Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Masood Kausar on Wednesday held detailed deliberations with a 23-member delegation of FATA Awami National Party led by Abdul Latif Afridi at the Governor’s House.
The delegation, comprising Agency and FR leaders of the party unanimously welcomed the FATA Reforms announced by President Asif Ali Zardari particularly the extension of Political Parties Order 2002 to FATA and offered all out support to evolve a Code of Conduct for political activities in FATA. They said that initiation of political process in FATA was a good omen as it would lead to democratising the tribal society and bringing it to the main political stream.
Afridi said the ANP had always supported the extension of PPO to FATA. He also highlighted certain issues concerning FATA and suggested the creation of economic opportunities and employment avenues for the people of FATA, promotion of female education, discouragement of weapon culture and improvement of health facilities.
Talking on the occasion the governor welcome the support offered by the ANP. He underlined the need to evolve a Code of Conduct for political parties in FATA for political activities adding that he would be holding consultation with all the political and democratic forces. He said political activities in FATA would benefit the tribal people and would help to create social integration irrespective of sectarian and other considerations.
Referring to certain points raised by members of the delegation, the governor said education, health and sports were the government’s basic priorities in FATA. He informed the delegation that shortage of teaching staff had almost been overcome through contractual appointment of teachers in all the educational institutions and health facilities were also being revamped. He said peace was imperative for development and the government was in favour of a dialogue with those who wanted peace. “But there would be no compromise with those who want to impose their own agenda on others,” he said.
