ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The National Assembly was informed on Thursday that 36-point FATA Reforms Package was formulated in consultation with all stakeholders, and mainstreaming of tribal areas and abolition of Frontier Crime Regulation (FCR) were the salient features of the package.
While speaking on the floor of the National assembly, the Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Lt General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch said over Rs 110 billion development packages as proposed by a six-member FATA Reforms Committee had been approved for seven agencies of the tribal region.
“We must be appreciated for abolishing FCR and announcing Rs 110 billion development package,” the minister said.
The minister said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government was committed to FATA reforms.
“We want to bring the area in national mainstream and at par with other developed districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.
The SAFRON told the House that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi would give a policy statement on reforms in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
“Within next 10 days, the prime minister will give a policy statement on the FATA reforms and steps taken for development of the area,” the minister said.
The minister said that in the past, no government gave due attention towards resolving problems faced by tribesmen. He said during tenure of the present government, the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funds for FATA had been increased to Rs 20 billion.
Qadir Baloch said changing of whole system in the FATA would take some time, adding that an advisory council would be established whose recommendations would be mandatory to follow by the governor.
“All decisions will be taken with the consensus and in consultation with representatives of FATA,” the minister said.
