Fata’s future

The Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) was an outdated law even at the time when it was imposed on Fata in 1901. It is unfortunate that even after Independence, successive governments have continued with this ruthless law. The regulation empowers political agents with all legislative, executive and judicial powers. Jirgas, comprising feudal lords and Maliks, play the role of an adjudicator since the Supreme Court has no jurisdiction in the area. They will never like to be stripped of their powers. The lower middle class and the poor, who live at their mercy, are the only sufferers.

Pakistan is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Therefore it is incumbent upon the government to bestow basic human rights upon the tribal people. Fata reforms are inevitable – and the sooner, the better. They will solve a plethora of problems concerning militancy, education, healthcare, etc. All we need is strong commitment and dedication on the part of our leaders.

Siraj Shawa

Chakdara

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The focus of all discussions taking place over the future of Fata – its merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or granting it a separate status – should be on the betterment of the tribal people alone. There are calls to make Peshawar a common capital for both KP and Fata in case the latter is granted the status of a separate province. Indeed, a very good idea. But will this idea be acceptable to the people of the tribal areas? There representatives would fight, with each wanting his hometown to be made as the capital of Fata. Then, there is the issue of quota in jobs and educational institutions. These are some the glaring issues that will crop up in case Fata is made a separate province.

If we take into account the cultural similarities between the seven agencies that constitute Fata, we notice that people of different agencies share more similarities with those living in their neighbouring districts in KP, than with each other. For example, the people of North and South Waziristan agencies are similar to those in Bannu and Lakki Marwat districts in KP as compared to Bajaur and Khyber agencies. Similarly, the people of Khyber and Bajaur agencies have a lot in common with the people living in Dir, Charsadda and Malakand Division. On these bases the prudent choice will be to merge Fata with KP.

Syed Kamran Ali Shah

Mansehra