ISLAMABAD - Holding of free, fair and transparent election is impossible in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) until and unless adequate security measures are undertaken for the whole election process, this was the crux of the seminar organised by FATA Research Centre here on Wednesday. FRC organised the seminar in collaboration with Iqra University on the topic “Political Reforms, Militancy and Upcoming Election in FATA: Prospects and Challenges.”A large number of civil society activists, political and social analysts, academicians, researchers and students participated in the seminars. The speakers linked transparent election with foolproof security arrangements and extending measures to facilitate tribal elders for ensuring maximum turnout.Speaking on the occasion, ANP leader Abdul Latif Afridi referred to the poor law and order situation in FATA, saying holding of free and fair election would not be possible in the area in the prevailing lawlessness.For a free and fair election, he said that movement of political leadership is essential to form public opinion. “If their movement is restricted, how they will be able to form public opinion”, he asked.He maintained that a meagre number of votes are expected to be cast in the upcoming general election, as the environment is not conducive. Mr Afridi said he was not expecting any significant change as result of the general election to improve the life standard of the tribesmen unless the new generation is given a chance to represent the tribal people in the Parliament.Zahid Hussain, former Information Secretary of Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf (PTI) Khyber Pakhtunkhawa chapter, said that political act should be extended to FATA in real terms and sprit to bring credible leadership of the tribal people in the upcoming general election that could fight for their rights and address their issues. He further said that special arrangements should be made to ensure that maximum tribal cast their votes and bring true leadership in the upcoming general election. He added that the government should make special arrangements by establishing polling stations in the camps and provide more security to them.Jamat -e-Islami ‘s leader, Zar Noor Afridi presented a bright picture of FATA while calling for the politicians and social activists to come forward and play their respective role in bringing peace and development in the tribal region. He maintained, “JI has already organised many political gathering to initiate the democratic process in FATA.”President FATA FRC, Dr Ashraf Ali termed the extension of Political Party’s Act to FATA a welcome move. He said given the enthusiasm amongst the masses, the free and fair election would give them a sense of ownership. This will give them a sense that they have an equal say in the decision making process of the country. Expressing his optimism about the upcoming mega political development in the region, he said that general elections would bring this most neglected part of the country into the national politics. “This will pave way for democratic values to flourish in an area that remained under the FCR, commonly known as the black law for more than a century, hence putting it on the way to progress and prosperity”, Dr Ali remarked.