The News on Sunday: What best mechanism could be used for women in Fata to cast their vote or go for a referendum?

Ayesha Gulalai Wazir: It depends on the government to use its resources but the grand tribal jirga, with the representation of elders from seven tribal agencies and six frontier regions, is one solution. It could also be made easy for taking a decision if they do a door-to-door survey, which I think is the best way to take women onboard. I would also suggest that media, with the help of the government, should launch a survey to find out what tribal people want about the issue of Fata’s status.

TNS: It is against the tribal culture to allow women to participate in a jirga; do you think women will again be ignored in making such a serious decision?

AGW: Yes, but I think that time is gone when tribal people would not allow their women to go out of homes and take part in the political process. Ballot is the best method to let women participate in decision-making.

TNS: What is your stance regarding Fata’s bill? Should Fata be merged with KP or should it be made a separate province?

AGW: I will go by my party as I represent a democratic party and will follow what direction I get from the top leadership of my party.

TNS: What future do you see for Fata if it is merged into KP?

AGW: In FCR, Fata is hanging between KP and Centre. If it is merged with the KP it will end the deprivation of the tribal people. They would have representation in the Provincial Assembly. Justice system will be extended to the tribal areas and law and order situation will get better. The main difference is that the Constitution of Pakistan is not yet extended to Fata which deprives them of their constitutional rights.

Read also: Fata’s future

TNS: Do you think Fata will be a prosperous and developed place if FCR is abolished?

AGW: FCR is a combination of brutal laws. Some amendments had been done but not implemented. It should be kept in mind that the best of the tribal culture acts should not be hurt. Tribal people will not let anyone abolish the best practices in their culture and traditions.