Cabinet approves recommendations for Fata reforms

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet on Thursday approved in principle recommendations of the Federally Administered Tribal Area (Fata) Reforms Committee.

Under the recommendation, the Fata will now be the merged with Khyber Pakhtonkhwa. While the federal government could no longer intervene in matters pertaining to Fata after implementation of the reforms. The meeting of the cabinet was held in Islamabad on Thursday with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in the chair.

Addressing the media, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, said the reforms committee consisted of six members. The adviser underlined that several jirgas were held attended by over 3000 elders to discourse on the reforms proposal.

He said the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) will be replaced with new rules and regulations.

Under the new regulations, Aziz said people of Fata could now be benefited under Baitul Maal and Benazir Income Support Programme.

All workers employed in Fata will now get salary at par with employees in the KP, he added.

Speaking after the meeting, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif stressed the need for focusing on development of under-developed areas for improving the living standard of the people.

The prime Minister said that due shares will be given from the national resources to Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and Fata people.

He said it is obligatory for the Federal and provincial governments to also work for the welfare of the people of these regions.

Nawaz Sharif said the spirit of Pakistaniat should be promoted for the national cohesion. He said we should work for the development of every part of the country without any discrimination.

The Prime Minister said equal opportunities should be provided to every one for development.

He said tribal people are patriotic and they love Pakistan. He said time has come that the tribal people be brought into the mainstream to end their sense of deprivation.