Pakistan cabinet approves Fata's merger with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

The federal cabinet of Pakistan on Thursday accorded approval to the recommendations of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) reforms committee, which includes the merger of the tribal areas with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and repeal of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR).

Chairing the cabinet, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the people of Fata, Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will be given their due rights.

"The cabinet accords in principle approval to the recommendations of the Fata reforms committee," the PM House said in a statement.

Sharif stressed the need to focus on the development of under-developed areas to improve the living standards of the people.

The meeting was told that the process of mainstreaming of Fata will be carried out in a time-span of five years.

Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said necessary amendments will be made in the constitution to enable people of Fata elect their representatives to the assembly in the 2018 General Elections.

--IANS

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