Delay in FATA reforms

The PML- N government has made mockery of the much needed FATA reforms and has indulged in dally dallying to implement the approved reforms package for the tribal areas. A few days ago SAFRON Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch announced that a bill for repealing the Frontier Crime Regulations and extension of jurisdiction of superior judiciary to the tribal belt will be tabled in the National Assembly on December 11. But it was not on the agenda when session of the lower house started. Prior to the exclusion of this bill from the agenda, feelers were released to a certain section of  English print media for making the people believe that economic and cultural impediment and opposition from some political parties may delay the  implementation of FATA reforms, which have already been approved by the federal cabinet

The exclusion of FATA reforms bill, which was meant to appease the leadership of JUI (F) and PkMAP, infuriated the Lawmakers from opposition and FATA. They encircled the Speaker’s dais and tore copies of the agenda, while walking out of the House in protest. The political parties including Pakistan People’s Party, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf, Jamat-i-Islam, Awami National Party and Qaumi Wattan Party are on the same page for the early implementation of these reforms, the delay in which amount to violation of basic rights of the tribesmen. PML-N is also not apparently opposed to the reforms as is evident from the Cabinet’s approval. It is sheer injustice to make FATA reforms hostage to the whims of JUI (F) as PkMAP does not have any vote bank in FATA.