Resolution passed to extend superior courts' jurisdiction to Fata

Published October 27, 2014
The Senate was told that the resolution would help Fata residents seek legal remedies from superior courts.-File Photo
The Senate was told that the resolution would help Fata residents seek legal remedies from superior courts.-File Photo

ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to amend Article 247 of the Constitution in order to enable Parliament to enact legislation for extending the Supreme Court and high courts jurisdiction to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) to protect fundamental rights of the people there.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Farhatullah Babar, who moved the resolution in the House, said under Article 247-7, the Supreme Court and high courts could not make recommendations for Fata.

“There are no rules to protect the rights of the people of Fata, even elected members from the areas never raised their voice for the tribals,” he added.

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly had also passed the resolution on May 7, 2012 that Article 247 should be amended so the people of Fata could take legal remedies from the superior courts.

“The high courts have also recommended that Article 247 should be amended,” he added.

Babar said without amending the article, legislation put forward by the federal government for the whole country could not be extended to Fata.

Leader of the House Raja Zafar-ul-Haq said the reforms were a genuine demand of the people of Fata and the government.

He suggested that the resolution should be referred to the committee concerned for deliberations.

Minister for Science and Technology Zahid Hamid said, “We support the people of Fata.”

Senator Abdul Nabi Bangash said after 67 years, people of the tribal areas were still facing problems and that the resolution would help address their problems.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...