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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Pakistan lifts economic sanctions on Waziristan |
| 2004-09-26 |
| In a reconciliatory gesture, Pakistan today lifted economic sanctions in its tribal region bordering Afghanistan imposed earlier this year to punish the local population for failing to hand over hiding al Qaeda militants. "I have realised the difficulties due to sanctions and that is why I am announcing lifting of the sanctions," Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said announcing the decision at a tribal 'Jirga' at North West Frontier city of Peshawar. Thousands of shops of the major Ahmedzai tribe were shut down in Wana, the headquarters of the tribal agency, which severely affected the province when the sanctions were imposed in May in the south Waziristan area. The sanctions were slapped after efforts to persuade tribesmen to hand over or register hundreds of foreign militants failed. This was the first time in the history of the province that Pakistan forces moved in to take control of the province, which was run by tribal councils. There were growing criticisms by Human Rights groups of the strong-arm tactics used against the tribal population by the Pakistan forces. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |