ISLAMABAD: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Iqbal Zafar Jhagra Saturday said the present government was making reforms for inclusion of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PTV, he said Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif formed a committee led by Advisor to PM for Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and other members include Minister for SAFRON Lt Gen (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, Minister for Law Zahid Hamid, PM's Adviser on National Security Lt Gen (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua and the Secretary for SAFRON to evolve a consensus on FATA reforms.
He said the committee held a meeting with tribal chiefs, journalists and students regarding the reforms and the consensus was developed to remove the 'Frontier Crimes Regulation' (FCR) law that was framed by the British.
Zafar Jhagra said the majority of people of the areas wanted merger with KP province. A report was prepared for FATA reforms by the committee and that was presented to the Prime Minister.
He said the government wanted to give status to FATA according to its people's desires with consensus. "We are planning to develop and improve infrastructure of the areas and would provide all kind of modern facilities to the masses."
He said the Prime Minister had taken such manifold decisions for the welfare and uplift of the country which was not taken by previous governments. Peace had been restored in FATA due to operation Zarb-e-Azb.
KP Governor said after forming act regarding the FATA then it would be sent to the Parliament for approval. Three percent funds would be provided to areas through National Finance Commission (NFC).
He said local bodies system would be introduced in FATA by the end of 2016 or beginning of 2017. Two medical colleges would be provided to the areas. The polio vaccination campaign was successfully conducted in the areas and there was no threat to polio teams.
Replying to a question, he said temporarily displaced persons (TDPs) would completely return to their homes by end of this November.
He said the Prime Minister had directed to provide financial support to TDPs in the difficult situation. "We have focused to provide better education, health and infrastructure to TDPs."
To another query. he said that around 600 Afghan refugees families were returning to Afghanistan daily. Pakistan and Afghanistan border issue should be resolved in peaceful manner. Pakistan wanted good cordial relations with all neighboring countries.
Commenting on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he said,"We want to maintain good relations with PTI in the province and the doors are open for everyone in a democratic system."
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