JI to evolve Fata-KP merger strategy at Jirga on January 3

Chief of Jamaat-e-Islami Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chapter, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, has announced JI would organise grand jirga on the issue of Fata-KP merger on January 3 at the Peshawar Press Club where leaders of various political parties, members of civil society, lawyers, tribal elders, youth, and people from different walks of life would participate.
"The grand jirga is aimed at discussing the planned Islamabad sit-in and future course of action with participants. We shall decide how to respond to delaying tactics being adopted by the federal government towards merger of Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," he said in a statement, issued here on Sunday. Mushtaq said the jirga would be proved a milestone and help make the proposed Islamabad sit-in successful. He that the preparations had begun under supervision of various committees to organise the event in a befitting manner. He said that all the pro-Fata-KP merger forces would be united under a single platform.
"Tribal people want to take part in the general elections 2018 and representation in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly," he said, urging the federal government to fulfill its promise regarding merger of the Fata with the KP province. He demanded proper lawmaking process be initiated, in this regard without any delay.
JI leader alerted that non-integration of Fata into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa before the general elections 2018 would engender severe unrest in the province. He said that majority cannot be ignored in a democratic setup and majority of tribal people supports merger of Fata with KP province. He urged the Centre to respect the spirit of democracy. Similarly, he cited that both upper and lower houses of the Parliament, as well as four provincial legislative assemblies are also fully supporting the Fata-KP integration. He said entire nation has given consensus opinion in favour of Fata issue. "Our mission is to end darkness from Fata for good," Mushtaq said, adding that the merger is the best way to provide all constitutional rights to people of Fata, along with provision of best healthcare, education and other facilities to tribal people at their doorsteps.