Seminar highlights progress on Fata reforms

ISLAMABAD: The speakers at a seminar titled ‘Extension of higher judiciary to Fata: What next?’ were of the view that the extension was a right step forward towards ending the decades-long sense of deprivation amongst the people of the neglected tribal region.

Extending the jurisdiction of higher judiciary to Fata would not only ensure their right to easy justice but also bolster the confidence of Fata people in the reform process.

Iqra University, Islamabad Campus, organised the seminar to discuss the current momentum and way forward on the Fata reforms process.

The speakers on the occasion discussed in detail the progress on the Fata reforms process following the passage of the bill by the National Assembly on January 12.

Fata parliamentarians, academia, legal and political experts, analysts, academia and students beside a large number of members of the civil society attended the seminar.

Addressing the seminar, Senator Hidayatullah Khan said that if the people of Fata are sons of the soil under the Constitution of 1973, then why should they be treated differently? There should be a uniform law throughout the country.

He added that Fata people got humiliated at the TDP camps but never ever raised the stands of revolt against the mainstream federal laws. Fata people should not be tested anymore and should be given a fair deal. The Senator from Bajaur said: “Fata residents want to move forward along with the developed world. We, should, therefore, be treated under the laws of the mainland.”