Electoral Process in Merged Tribal Districts
The latest episode of Jarga Maraka (Debate and Council) discussed the recent political developments and 26th Constitutional Amendment regarding an increased number of seats for former FATA.
The guest on the show, Mr. Sangeen Khan, an advocate, said that Frontier Crimes Resolution (FCR) had been hampering the political process and administrative measures in the past. He commended the collaborative role of the media, civil society organizations and different stakeholders in the abolition of FCR.
Mr. Sangeen said that a merger was prioritized over a separate province because the tribal areas are closer to the more settled areas for instance Mohmand is closer to Charsada. Moreover, a separate province would have proven to be troublesome for the people. The legislature has given a feeling of ownership to the tribal districts and it should be visible in the National Finance Commission (NFC) award too.
The guest on call, spokesperson for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Mr. Altaf Ahmad, said that in order to facilitate the electoral process there have been certain changes in the election schedule and a delay of six months is to ensure the maximum participation of the electorates. Redefining the delimitation of constituencies will be ensured in the given timeline.
The second guest on call, Mr. Sajid Hussain, a sitting Member of National Assembly (MNA) said that everyone is aiming for immediate decision making in the Senate after the National Assembly’s consent on the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
The report by Mr. Gul Hussain shared the facts and figures and responses of the general public regarding the election campaign.
The report by Mr. Afzal Mohmand highlighted the importance of the constitutional amendment and the long term impacts of inclusion of tribal people in policy making.
About Sabawoon:
Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion.
The show airs Tuesday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 kHz from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM.
On Tuesday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with input from government and other senior officials. Jawandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for youth, and students. Socio-cultural affairs and issues of women are discussed in Ranra on Thursday.