Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, has said that the merger of the tribal districts (former FATA) is not being reversed. Anyone with objections can discuss their concerns. The Prime Minister formed a committee with good intentions, but even that is being politicized. Our position is that the approved laws can be improved. It is unfortunate that some are using the merged districts for political point-scoring. No new constitutional amendment is being made. The ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is fragmented, and we currently have no contact with anyone, but in politics, anything is possible — decisions will be made according to the situation.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Engineer Amir Muqam said that during the Prime Minister’s visit to Peshawar, a jirga (council) of the merged districts was held to discuss the concerns of tribal elders. The Prime Minister formed a committee to address the matter, which has decided to reach out to all elected representatives. The committee has been tasked with improving the living conditions of people in the merged areas. With everyone’s consultation, efforts will be made to address tribal concerns. It is unfortunate that the opposition has decided to boycott the committee.
He reiterated that the FATA merger is not being reversed and that those with objections are welcome to discuss them. He emphasized that although the Prime Minister has formed a committee on the merged districts, it too has become subject to politics. “Our stance is that the approved laws can be improved. The country has already taken off toward development. Opposition members should come forward and share their concerns with the committee. We are not repealing the 18th Amendment, nor are we bringing back the outdated FCR (Frontier Crimes Regulation) system.”
Engineer Amir Muqam stated that where there are issues with the implementation of laws, they can be improved through mutual consultation. The committee’s agenda is to work for the improvement of tribal people’s rights. He said the Prime Minister has formed a committee on FATA and the jirga system, including the Chief Minister, Governor, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and other members. The committee has also decided to consult all stakeholders, including parliamentarians. It will also engage with former parliamentarians, political parties, and bureaucrats. Many people have already been consulted, although a variety of propaganda has also circulated.
The Federal Minister emphasized that the FATA merger took place during former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s tenure, and he categorically rejected the rumors of reversing it. “If FATA is burning, should we not intervene?” he asked, adding that they want to resolve the issues faced by the former FATA residents.
Amir Muqam said it is regrettable that politics is being played over the merged districts. “No new constitutional amendment is under consideration. We are not repealing any amendments but are working to improve the current system and laws.”
He noted that people complain about not getting speedy and affordable justice and that the benefits of the merger are not being realized. There are governance issues in the merged districts, but despite being invited, PTI has boycotted the committee — although PTI leaders participated in its first meeting. He clarified that the Prime Minister has not issued a notification to restore the jirga system but has only suggested reviewing it under the constitution and law.
He also criticized demolishing buildings without notice, stating, “I bought a hotel in 2008, and all legal formalities were completed. If it were illegal, it would have been demolished long ago.”
Engineer Amir Muqam remarked that the ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently in disarray. “We have not contacted anyone yet, but in politics, anything is possible. We will make decisions based on the circumstances.” Secretary of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Zafar Hassan, was also present at the press conference.
