ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi says the process ofmainstreaming FATA will be completed by the end of the current term of theNational Assembly.
Speaking in the National Assembly this evening (Wednesday), he saidconsultations will be made with representatives of the parliamentaryparties to this effect.
Giving details of some decisions for the objective, the Prime Minister saidAgency Development Fund has been abolished from today (Wednesday).
He said local bodies elections in FATA will be held by October this year.
Similarly, he said timeframe for elections of provincial and NationalAssembly seats will be decided after consultation with all politicalparties.
The Prime Minister said the government is committed to provide one thousandbillion rupees in ten years as envisaged in the FATA reforms report inaddition to the funds being provided to the tribal areas.
He said the government will take every step for equalization of FATA withother parts of the country.
Earlier, the National Assembly opened debate today (Wednesday) on federalbudget for the next fiscal year.
Leader of the Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah opening the discussion saidcountry is facing huge problems due to rising population and decliningnatural resources.
He said proper policies have not been devised to overcome the problemsbeing faced by the populace. Criticizing the appointment of FinanceMinister, he said his party rejects the budget as unconstitutional.