Khyber – The Tribal Supreme Council of the FATA Loya Jirga recently held a meeting in Shah Kas area of the Khyber Agency, demonstrating strong tribal unity. The meeting united hundreds of tribal elders and heads of the tribal agencies and Frontier Regions (FRs).
Chaired by FATA Loya Jirga President Haji Bismillah Khan Afridi, the meeting was a significant forum to voice aggregate concerns on the security, political status, and economic rights of the region. This meeting ended in a row of strong resolutions that opposed the merger of FATA, called for the Supreme Court to create justice, and required control over local resources.
Tribal leaders attended the meeting
The meeting was held in the room of Haji Bismillah Khan Qabiri, in the presence of key persons, including the Patron-in-Chief Malik Muhammad Hussain, Chairman Malik Haji Khan Marjan, Minister Nawabzada Fazl Karim, and tens of other prominent elders.
The presence of a large number of leaders of tribes like Malik Ziarat Gul, Malik Mir Muhammad, Malik Razim Shah of Orakzai, Malik Naib Khan, and Malik Yar Muhammad of FR Kohat and FR Peshawar, highlighted the close agreement among the tribal communities on the problems involved.
The main message delivered by the assembly was a common call to bring back peace and an official end to the violence that has plagued the tribal areas.
Main points discussed in the Jirga
One of the issues of controversy among the jirga was the 25th Constitutional Amendment, which made the tribal areas part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The participants emphatically and collectively declared that the merger of FATA was cruel and illegal, and the tribal people would not accept it by any means.
The jirga also made a strong statement on the mineral wealth of the region, arguing that any form of occupation was unacceptable, and only the tribal population should be considered in their rights over the resources.
Demands put forward to the Supreme Court
In judicial and financial issues, the Loya Jirga directly addressed the Supreme Court of Pakistan. They called upon the Supreme Court to fix the hearing of the case regarding the merger of FATA at the earliest and the announcement of a judgment that would bring justice to the tribal population. Also, in an audacious financial rider, the participants sought suspension of the National Finance Commission (NFC) award until the Supreme Court rules on the merger.
They also insisted that the FBR should not impose any tax in the tribal areas, and the tribes would not pay any type of tax. A resolution was moved directing the federal government to keep a separate account of FATA funds, and these funds should not be spent on other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Decisions on Organizational Matters
During the meeting, organizational matters were also discussed, besides their demands on policies. It was ruled that an oath would soon be taken by the Supreme Council Cabinet of the FATA Loya Jirga.
The leadership of the movement has promised to accelerate the activities of the organization and work to disseminate the message to the government and people at all levels on the FATA merger. This action indicates a more organized and aligned way of further political and legal fight.
