PESHAWAR, Aug 23 (APP): Federal Minister for SAFRON Najmuddin Khan has said that government’s intended constitutional, political and administrative reforms on FATA would bear fruit in a few months time and the situation in FATA would gradually normalize.

He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural session of the seminar on “Mainstreaming of FATA” organized by Shaheed Bhutto Foundation here on Saturday.

While highlighting the futures of the reforms package the Federal Minister said that the govt. is pondering over constitutional amendments which will give the tribals the options of annexation of FATA with NWP or establishing FATA as a separate province or setting up of a FATA council on the pattern of NAs Council.

The Minister informed that a proposal is also under consideration to give the right of appeal against the decision of Jirga and this appeal would be heard by a senior level judge.

The Minister reiterated the government’s support for the jirga system and said that jirga will be revived all over FATA to resolve disputes. He said that government would prefer implementation on developmental projects in consultation with a FATA council consisting of representatives of the area. The Minister also favored the extension of Political Parties act in FATA.

The Minister agreed with the notion that development should not wait for peace and both of these objectives should be pursued simultaneously. Therefore, Prime Minister has already announced a comprehensive package for FATA and the ADP has also been increased to Rs. 13 billion, he added.

Najumuddin opined that the present government is striving to ensure proper appropriation of developmental aid and funds and the misappropriation of FATA’s funds by the previous regime will be thoroughly investigated.

Najmuddin Khan appreciated the efforts of Shaheed Bhutto Foundation for holding seminars on such a critical and important issue of development of FATA.

The Minister called for more of such seminars to be organized which will provide an excellent opportunity to interact to tribal elders and ascertain their opinion on FATA’s state of affairs.

The Minister also assured that coercive action by the government to restore law an order will only be taken as a last resort. Ex-Governor Lt. Gen. NWFP Ali Muhammad Jan Orakzai in his address emphasized the need for changing the prevailing perception among the tribals about the war on terror and the role of Pakistan government in this war.

He also urged the government to address the burning issues of unemployment and illiteracy among the FATA youth to discourage them from joining the ranks of extremist.

He pointed out natural minerals and exploration of oil and gas as major investment opportunities.

Additional Chief Secretary FATA Habib Ullah Khan and Barrister Masud Kausar also spoke on this occasion. President of the Shaheed Bhutto Foundation Dr. Kamal thanked the guests for their enthusiastic participation.