Rehman Malik felicitates tribal people on historic polls

Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) senior leader and Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior Senator Rehman Malik has felicitated the people of Tribal Districts on the first-ever provincial assembly elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tribal districts (Former FATA).

He said “I congratulate the people of tribal districts of KP on the first-ever provincial assembly elections and complete entrance into an era of their constitutional, legal, and democratic rights.” He said that it is a historic day in the history of Pakistan that after independence for the first time, provincial assembly elections are being held there today.

Senator A. Rehman Malik has asked the Election Commission of Pakistan and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to ensure that elections are held free, fair and transparent. He has asked the LEAs to ensure that the day of elections is peaceful and the polling process is smooth.

Senator A. Rehman Malik said that it was the dream of Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto to mainstream FATA and abolish the draconian black law FCR which was not only anti-democratic but had denied basic human rights to the people of then FATA. He said that Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto in March 2004 had constituted the Fata Reforms Committee of the party and it was the first ever committee by any political party tasked with Fata reforms.

He has also appealed the people of tribal districts to remain peaceful and prefer mainstream political parties over their local politics as their long-standing demand to be brought within the ambit of Pakistan’s constitution has finally been fulfilled. He said that the people of tribal districts have achieved peace and stability after huge sacrifices and the maximum sufferings which they faced with bravery and patience.

Senator A Rehman Malik paid tribute to Pakistan Army for restoring peace in tribal districts that today election are being held there.