Former PM Abbasi urges consensus on issues

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, in his address to the National Assembly on Monday, said that consensus for securing the rights of ex-Fata and the government’s decision to provide Rs100 billion in funds to the people of the region for 10 years to stimulate development in the area has been achieved.

“However, not a single party should take its credit, and all parties are equally appreciable,” he said, adding that former premier Nawaz Sharif’s efforts [in this regard] must also be noted.

He maintained that this bill was introduced with the highest priority as compared to other rolls in the NA.

“Even South Punjab bill was dominated by the [26th Constitution (Amendment) Bill. What was the reason of doing this in a hurry?” he asked. He expressed regret that no issue had been discussed in the house for the period of nine months.

“We need to have consensus on issues facing the country,” Abbasi said, pointing out that the government could not provide the people of ex-Fata their rights without adequate funds.

“Allocation of resources to provinces and allocation of seats in the National Assembly are both dependent on the population.”

Abbasi stated that the number of seats given to the tribal districts will have an effect on the country’s politics.

Abbasi also praised former head of the Fata Reforms Committee, Sartaj Aziz, who he said had worked day and night to prepare a report and create consensus on issues, laying the groundwork for the passage of the bill.

The former prime minister said that the modalities for funding should be determined to ensure that the people of ex-Fata are given equal rights and resources compared to other Pakistani citizens.