Consensus on Fata reforms termed positive sign

PESHAWAR, March 28: Governor Barrister Masood Kausar on Monday said that consensus among political forces on vital national issues was a very positive and encouraging development which will help resolve the outstanding national issues including achieving reforms in Fata. Talking to a delegation of Natiownal Democratic Institute (NDI) at Governor House, Mr Kausar appreciated the efforts of NDI towards reforms in Fata and assured it of his support and cooperation in this regard. He said that there was no difference of opinion on the issue of Fata reforms, adding, we need to ponder seriously over all the outstanding issues of Fata including amendments to the FCR. The governor said that Fata had become the focus of attention and now the environment was very conducive to bring a change in the region. He hoped that collective efforts would ultimately culminate in positive and desired results. "The change must be positive and productive that could lead to the betterment of common tribesmen through provision of justice and socio-economic development," the governor said. To a point regarding economic package for Fata, Mr Kausar said the government had increased the development outlay for Fata and added that what actually needed was utilise these huge resources judiciously, timely and transparently. He said the Fata would be given a clean, transparent and efficient administration. Earlier, Latif Afridi advocate, while speaking on behalf of the delegation, highlighted the efforts of NDI towards creating consensus on Fata reforms, saying, ten political parties having representation in the parliament were unanimous on two basic points including extension of Political Parties Act to Fata and amendments to the FCR. He said the government should also consider announcing a special economic package for Fata to remove its backwardness. The delegation comprised representatives of PPP, ANP, PML-N, PML-Q, JI, JUI-F, PPP-S, PMAP, NP and MQM.—APP