Mineral exploration agreements in tribal districts should be brought before public, Fazlur Rehman

Precious stones were presented in offices of American officials, Americans have admitted that they are moving forward in this matter

Peshawar: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that tribal districts have been made an experimental laboratory for long time, now proposals of ending merger are coming forward, however real issue of tribal areas is not constitutional but mineral resources present there.

Addressing Digital Media Workers Jamiat FATA Convention in Peshawar, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that almost ten years are about to complete of merger of tribal districts, but till now administrative system like settled areas could not be established there, at high level they have been told that decision of merger was wrong, question is at whose behest decision of merger was made earlier and at whose indication talks of ending it are being held now, everyone knows this.

He said that even before Governor's rule and imposition of emergency he has been pointing out that real issue in tribal areas is mineral reserves, we have no objection to mineral exploration and development however agreements related to resources should be brought before public. He claimed that precious stones were presented in offices of American officials and Americans have also admitted that they are moving forward in this matter.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman while raising question on Governor's rule and imposition of emergency said that these steps were taken on basis of terrorism narrative, but as soon as Governor's rule and emergency was imposed, noise of terrorism also ended, why two separate systems are being established in same province? Under Governor's rule Governor Council is under Prime Minister, while districts under emergency are under Ministry of Interior. He revealed that preparations are being made to include Kohat also in emergency districts.

He said that cabinet decisions were sent to President of country, but on day of imposition of Governor's rule and emergency, even his point was not presented in cabinet. In such circumstances how can trust be placed on state institutions and rulers? It is responsibility of state to remove concerns of tribal people and bring agreements made regarding their resources to public.

Talking about political environment, JUI chief said that political environment is being spoiled by campaign of allegations and character assassination, we are people who have difference of opinion and believe in dialogue, instead of running publicity campaign against them, political dialogue should be held, nothing will be achieved by abusing them and going after their house, kitchen and generator, he values all people who come to his house.

Talking about Khawaja Asif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that he is his respectable and elder brother, he had only tickled Khawaja Asif a little, but he got angry next day. He said in sarcastic manner that if he raised fist next day then he should have hit it on his own face, because Muslim League (N) had given him answer in House same day. We are showing tolerance however we also know how to answer.

He said that we have resources and you have technology, therefore come openly before public and make agreements, on Governor's advising him to go to Afghanistan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that if in past you were also under British then you also go to Britain.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that he still wants to see healthy political environment in country, regarding long march matter, method of solving problem through negotiations was told to him by Prime Minister himself, while when this proposal was put before Tehreek-e-Insaf, they also adopted their stance on it, for development and prosperity of country it is necessary that state removes concerns of tribal people and takes them into confidence regarding their resources.