By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi
KHYBER: The FATA Loya Jirga has described the merger of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a decision imposed on tribal communities without their consent, saying the move has left the tribal districts facing serious problems and deprivation.
The remarks were made at a press conference at the District Press Club Khyber by Jirga chairman Khan Marjan, president Malik Bismillah Khan Afridi, general secretary Azam Khan Mehsud and other leaders including Tahmash Shalmani.
They said the merger of former FATA through the 25th Constitutional Amendment was carried out without consultation with tribal people and in haste, alleging that their historical, constitutional and social identity had been affected.
They also expressed concern that cases related to the merger had not yet been scheduled for hearing in the Federal Constitutional Court, which they said had created unrest among tribal communities.
The leaders claimed the decision was taken under external pressure and by powerful circles, which they said went against the spirit of the Constitution. They added that tribal districts continued to face severe issues in health, education, employment, justice and basic services, while courts were failing to deliver timely relief.
The jirga said tribal areas had a distinct historical status and referred to past agreements between tribal elders and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, saying tribal communities had always played a key role in the defence of Pakistan but were still deprived of basic rights.
The leaders demanded immediate development measures, including the establishment of a medical college in Landi Kotal and universities, nursing colleges and technical institutes in every tribal district to improve education and employment opportunities.
They further alleged that the merger was intended to gain control over natural resources, saying this had harmed tribal rights and that the end of traditional systems had increased disputes and instability in the region.
The jirga announced that its legal and constitutional struggle against the merger would continue and warned that it would pursue the matter internationally if domestic courts did not provide relief.
General Secretary Azam Khan Mehsud also announced that 31 May would be observed as a “black day”, with protests, press briefings and awareness campaigns planned to highlight their position.
