Barrister Gohar Calls Meeting of FATA Committee Unconstitutional

Islamabad: Barrister Gohar, Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has labeled the convening of the FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) Committee meeting as a violation of the Constitution.
During a press conference in Islamabad, attended by PTI leaders, Barrister Gohar stated that after the 25th Amendment, the tribal areas have been merged into the provincial government, making any federal committee regarding FATA unconstitutional. He demanded the federal government dissolve the committee, which was formed on June 25 to address matters concerning FATA.
Barrister Gohar further clarified that out of the seven elected Members of National Assembly (MNAs) from FATA, five are from PTI, and out of 17 Provincial Assembly members, 14 belong to PTI. He emphasized that any meeting regarding FATA, including the recent committee session, goes against the Constitution, as the jurisdiction for legislative actions or decisions regarding FATA now lies with the provincial government.
Chairman PTI also mentioned that no demand had been raised for the revival of the Jirga system in FATA. He stated that it is the responsibility of the provincial government to legislate and make decisions regarding FATA, and thus, the federal committee on FATA should be dissolved.
Shah Farman, another PTI leader, added that FATA’s merger with the provinces was intended to bring development to the region. He further emphasized that legislation was done to empower elected members from FATA. “FATA’s integration has been completed, and agreements have been made between the center and the provinces. The tribes are, and will always be, part of this country, and our goal is to enhance the benefits they receive,” Farman concluded.