FATA residents demand separate province, immediate end to drone strikes

Peshawar, Oct 25 (ANI): Locals of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan have demanded a separate province, and an immediate end to US drone attacks and the military operation in the troubled region.

A large number of tribal people from all the tribal agencies and Frontier Regions (FR) participated in the FATA Convention, arranged by Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q), the Daily Times reported.

The FATA Convention also demanded an immediate opening of roads and schools in the region.

Tribal leader Malik Muhammad Rehman pointed out that tribal people had rendered sacrifices for Pakistan since its birth. But the present situation- drone attacks, military operations and curfews- had made their lives miserable.

"We were not terrorists. We were not supporting anti-social elements and miscreants. We would offer every sacrifice for Pakistan but the rulers had disappointed us," Rehman said.

PML-Q Central General Secretary Senator Mushahid Hussain dismissed the government's claim that the Pak-US Strategic Dialogue was a success, citing continuing drone attacks in FATA in support of his assertions.

He said that his party had been demanding an end to drone attacks and military operations, but the rulers were following dual policies. (ANI)