Jirga elders reject Fata-KP merger

BARA: The Fata Loya Jirga on Friday rejected the merger of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and demanded restoration of the tribal system.

The jirga, held in Tirah valley of Khyber district under the auspices of Fata Loya Jirga, was attended by elders, youth and other stakeholders from various tribal districts.Speaking at the gathering, the tribesmen did not accept the prevailing governance system and called on the government to reverse the merger.

Prominent tribal elders, including Malik Khan Marjan Wazir, Malik Muhammad Hussain, Malik Abdul Razzaq, Azam Khan Mehsud and Alif Khan, addressed the jirga.They argued that the traditional system of jirgas and tribal customs in the former Fata had been effective and workable.

“The existing system is expensive and ordinary people cannot access cheap justice,” said Fata Loya Jirga Chairman Bismillah Afridi said.He maintained that the current system had failed to deliver relief and justice to the people of the tribal belt.

Afridi added that the traditional jirga system was rooted in traditions, justice and brotherhood, urging the government to withdraw the merger and restore the old tribal system so that the people could once again access justice at the local level.

Residents of Tirah valley also complained of numerous problems and said that many disputes were still being resolved through jirgas. They added that the old way of life based on peace, brotherhood and mutual respect was more acceptable and effective for them.The participants appreciated the efforts of the Fata Loya Jirga leaders who were striving for the restoration of the traditional system.