Asfandyar, others congratulate Pakhtuns on Fata merger

PESHAWAR: Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan has congratulated Pakhtuns on the merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the 31st constitutional amendment.

Through a statement issued here on Thursday, the ANP chief said that it was a historic moment for the country. He hoped the merger would ensure the country security and integrity.

The ANP chief said that tribespeople had been suffering for 71 years. He stressed the need for launching development projects across Fata to enable them to live a peaceful and prosperous life.

He demanded implementation of the act forthwith, saying that the writ of the court had been extended to Fata but had not yet been implemented so far.

Meanwhile, ANP secretary general Mian Iftikhar Hussain said that the tribespeople should now enjoy the status of citizens as enjoyed in other parts of the country.

He added that the delimitation work had been completed in other parts of the country in one day. The delimitation in Fata could also be completed in a few days, he said, adding, all arrangement should be made to ensure tribespoeple participation in the general election.