MNA from FATA strongly opposes operation in NWA ------- warns Govt of its terrible repercussions

MNA from FATA strongly opposes operation in NWA

------- warns Govt of its terrible repercussions

By Mohammad Saleem Mehsud

ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 : MNA from FATA Kamran Khan on Thursday categorically opposed any new ground offensive in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) and warned the government of its terrible repercussions for the entire country.

In an exclusive interview with INP here, Kamran Khan said that operation against the militants had already been underway in NWA as US drones were targeting several hideouts in the tribal areas killing many innocent tribesmen.

“The issue of conducting operation in North Waziristan should be brought to the Parliament for debate and it is up to the parliament to decide such big issues,” the FATA legislator said and suggested that only the troika - President, Prime Minister and COAS - should not bypass the Parliament in deciding issues of national interest.

Commenting upon the visit of US Vice President Joe Biden to Pakistan, Kamran Khan said that Americans visit the country regularly and hold meetings with President, Prime Minister and COAS and inform them about the American point of view regarding the tribal areas. He said that US officials should also consult the elected representatives of the tribal to have fresh information about ground realities of the war-torn areas by the elected members.

“Americans just want to engage army in the tribal areas in order to insult the respectful, loyal and patriotic tribesmen of Pakistan and press them to live in makeshift tents and also to induce into them anti-state sentiments,” the FATA MNA said.

Pakistan conducted two ground offensives in NWA earlier and the Americans had made pledges of providing funds for rehabilitation of the destroyed infrastructure and initiation of development projects in the area but they badly failed to fulfill their promises. Several families of Mehsud tribe of South Waziristan Agency (SWA) have been living in terrible condition and the government has not rehabilitated them even after lapse of two years.

To a question, the legislator from FATA said in the prevailing political scenario and economic woos in the country, it is impossible for Pakistan to face another episode of huge influx of IDPs and open another front for the armed forces as IDPs displaced earlier were yet living in tents and miserable condition.

Replying another query, Kamran Khan said Pakistan suffered damages of at least $28 billion in the war on terror while the American aid provided to Pakistan was estimated at just $8 billion.

The tribesmen would be compelled to declare the rulers as foreign stooges if they decided to open another front for the armed forces under the foreign dictation, he warned.