Fazl agrees on superior courts’ writ in Fata Meets PM, COAS

ISLAMABAD: A broad understanding of Fata reforms bill has developed among Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

The three met in the prime minister’s chamber-222 at the Parliament House on Tuesday. The meeting continued for more than one hour. It is likely that the bill would be tabled in the National Assembly tomorrow (Thursday) and the sessionwould be prorogued subsequently.

Well-placed sources in Parliament House told The News that Gen Bajwa was concerned about the Fata imbroglio, as the armed forces were an important stakeholder on the issue. Fazl insisted that the future of Fata should be determined after ascertaining the opinion of tribal people.

He opined that no action should be taken in haste since the matter was too sensitive to be dealt with casually. He reminded that Fata future was more than political subject, as it will have direct bearing on security and solidarity of the country.

PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai will also be taken on board, as he supports Fazl’s views on the subject. Despite his reservations and difference of opinion about the bill, Fazl agreed to consider the legislation for brining Fata within the purview of superior courts.

He endorsed a proposal for abolishing black laws like the FCR in Fata. Fazl will take his party into confidence on the understanding that transpired in the tri-lateral meeting of bigwigs on Tuesday. Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi also had meetings with legislators from different groups during his stay at the chamber. The FATA reforms bill is not included in Wednesday’s agenda of the National Assembly but sources said it would be brought on agenda for tomorrow’s (Thursday) proceedings.