PESHAWAR:PTI lawmakers representing Pakistan’s former tribal areas (merged districts) have announced a boycott of a government committee meeting concerning the region.
The Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and Provincial Assembly (MPAs) issued a joint statement rejecting the Prime Minister’s “FATA Jirga Restoration Committee” meeting. They oppose the meeting’s agenda, which they claim is based on the judicial status of the old Jirga system and involves plans to roll back the FATA merger and seize minerals unconstitutionally.
The PTI parliamentarians argue that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the federal government cannot interfere in provincial matters. They stated they will refuse to participate in any meeting or consultation that restricts provincial powers.
They announced plans to hold their own joint meeting in Islamabad, chaired by Barrister Gohar Khan, to discuss the federal government’s actions, which they deem unconstitutional. This meeting will determine their future course of action.
Also read:ANP’s Nisar Baz: FATA committee a “conspiracy” to grab minerals, undo merger
