FATA becomes part of Khyber Paktunkhwa

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnnoon Hussain on Thursday approved the constitutional amendment bill seeking to merge the Federally Administered Tribal Areas with Khyber Paktunkhwa.

After signing the bill, the president of the Islamic Republic  congratulated the people of FATA and Khyber Paktunkhwa over the mainstreaming of the   tribal areas.

The 25 Amendment Bill was   passed by the National Assembly, the Senate and the Khyber Pakhtnuknwa Assembly before being sent to the president for formal approval.

He inked the amendment here at a ceremony at the President House, after its passage from the National Assembly and Senate and its endorsement by the KP assembly.

Governor KP Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, head of the FATA Reform Committee Sartaj Aziz, National Security Advisor Lt Gen (Retd) Nasir Khan Janjua and Prime Minister’s Adviser Barrister Zafarullah Khan witnessed the inking of the historic document.

The president said the nation needed to work together to fully benefit from this historic opportunity.

The Head of the FATA Reforms Committee Sartaj Aziz said following the constitutional amendment the people of the federally administered tribal areas were now mainstreamed and would enjoy equal rights like other citizens of the country.

He said all the agencies of FATA would now convert into districts and the assistant political agents would now serve as deputy commissioners.

He said Rs1 trillion would be spent on the development of the area over a period of next ten years.

He said of this 25% of the amount would be spent through the local bodies for development of infrastructure in health, education, roads, communications and other projects.

He expressed the hope that following the merger the law and order would also be improved.