Tribal people to decide future of Fata: KP governor

PESHAWAR: Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on Saturday said that future of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) would be decided in line with the wishes of tribal people as they had the right to make a decision about their fate.

He said that tribal people left their homes for greater national cause and their sacrifices would not go waste.

The governor said that repatriation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) was the top priority of the government. He added that the reforms process in Fata would be completed with the consent and wishes of tribal people.

A handout said that he was talking to Fata parliamentarians, who called on him at the Governor’s House.

Fata Senators Hidayatullah Khan, Taj Muhammad Khan and Sajjad Hussain, Members National Assembly, Shahji Gul Afridi, Shahabuddin Khan, Sajid Hussain Turi, Muhammad Nazeer Khan, Ghalib Khan and Qaiser Jamal Afridi were present on the occasion.

Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said that maintenance of peace was the top most priority of the government.

He reiterated his commitment to root out militancy and terrorism from Fata. “We have to promote fairness and justice in the administrative and other departments,” he added.

He said that every possible step would be taken to ensure all the basic possible facilities to the tribal people.

The governor said that peace had been restored to Fata due to sacrifices of patriotic tribesmen, civil administration and security forces.

He said efforts were being made to ensure the successful and dignified return of the IDPs to their homes on priority basis. He said an effective administration would be ensured in Fata.

The governor said, “We are entering into the new phase of peace, stability and prosperity due to the sacrifices rendered by tribesmen and the security forces.”

He added that repatriation of IDPs had started and it would be successfully ensured and completed by the end of this year.

Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said concrete measures would be taken on priority basis for the development of health sector, provision of modern health and education facilities to the tribesmen to improve the public health facilities and standards of education in Fata.

He said that government was committed to taking the steps for the welfare of tribesmen, adding that dignified repatriation and rehabilitation of tribal people would be ensured.

He said that no stone would be left unturned for the development of this marginalized region and to bring the people of Fata into the mainstream.