PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid on Thursday demanded of the government and Pakistan Bureau Statistics to make a proper mechanism for the counting of Fata’s internally displaced persons to address their reservations about the ongoing countrywide population census.

PML-Q central vice president Ajmal Khan Wazir told reporters at the Peshawar Press Club that millions of Fata IDPs had been living in settled areas across the country due to the unrest in their areas and if they were not registered in their respective areas, the census would be of no use for them.

He said unfortunately, the holding of population census on the basis of temporary residence would cost Fata dearly.

“The non-registration of Fata people in the census will deprive them of due share in the National Finance Commission Award. Besides, the number of their seats in the national and provincial assemblies will also be nominal,” he said, adding that more than 70 percent of IDPs had yet to return to their homes.

PML-Q’s Ajmal Wazir complains implementation of Fata reforms slow

Mr Wazir said the tribesmen had rendered matchless sacrifices for the country’s protection and therefore, they should not be ignored in the census.

He expressed concern about the slow implementation of Fata reforms and said it proved double standard on part of the federal government towards development and mainstreaming of the tribal region.

The PML-Q leader said the elimination of the Frontier Crimes Regulation from Fata was inevitable to ensure provision of all fundamental rights to tribesmen.

He called for speedy work on the Fata reforms process, especially merger of Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Without naming Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Mr Wazir said the two coalition partners of the ruling PML-N in the centre were opposed to the Fata-KP merger unreasonably.

He asked the two parties to quit the government over the Fata reforms process initiated by the federal government.

The PML-Q leader called for speedy rehabilitation of IDPs, provision of a comprehensive financial package to them, and early restoration of infrastructure, especially schools and hospitals, in Fata.

He said his party firmly believed that the Supreme Court’s decision in the Panamagate case would ensure better future for Pakistan.

“If we get justice in the Panama case against the prime minister, Pakistan will be a changed country,” he said.

Mr Wazir said the plunderers of the national exchequer lived luxurious life in and outside the country.

He said he and other PML-Q leaders presented themselves for accountability as they always served the country sincerely.

Later, many local activists of political parties, including Malik Madad Khan, Tariq Mehmood, Salauddin, Attaullah, Imtiaz Khan, Janbaz Khan, Zeeshan Khan and Sajid Ali, announced the joining of the PML-Q.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2017