Fata’s fate

The archaic FCR has deprived the people of Fata of their basic rights. In Fata, political agents have the authority. They exercise unlimited powers and control people according to their will. Since their orders cannot be challenged in the SC, they freely impose heavy unjustified fine, seize the land of people and send a tribe into exile. People in Fata are constantly being ignored by the government. They don’t have access to basic facilities, including electricity, healthcare, education institutions, etc. The region is underdeveloped without proper roads, making travelling quite difficult. In addition, the launch of Operation Zarb-e-Azb displaced hundreds of people living in the region. To date, the government hasn’t been successful in relocating these people and providing a safe living environment to them. Recently, the government considered passing the Fata reform to alleviate the sufferings of the Fata people; however, reforms in Fata are getting delayed.

The suggestions to merge Fata with KP and to repeal the FCR seemed as a beacon of light for the miserable people, but the rejection of the Fata bill in the National Assembly created a wave of panic and hopelessness among the people. The government needs to realise that the Fata people are living under harsh conditions. Something constructive should be done to lessen their pain. All political parties should consider what is the best for the Fata people and come up with a decision accordingly.

Fayyaz Salih Hussain

Karachi