Census 2017

In my previous article, ‘Fata merger: who to decide?’ (Oct 19), I highlighted the unfair treatment meted out to Fata by the government. Fata does not only remain a neglected part of the federation, but is generally totally ignored altogether. The best example is the 2017 census. According to the census, the total population of Fata stands at five million – out of which the population figures for North Waziristan stand at 543,254. However, according to the verified record of the IDPs of North Waziristan maintained by the FDMA, the population of only three tehsils – Mir Ali, Miran Shah and Datta Khel – stands at 658,781. The population of the remaining seven tehsils should at least be double than the above figure as they did not leave the area and hence are not included in the list of IDPs.
The fact is that the population of Fata today is double – might be even more than double – than the present census figures. Politicians and other public figures of Sindh and Balochistan have openly protested against the disputed census but our tribal MNAs seem to have no time. There is an old English saying that goes, let sleeping dogs lie. This saying is the most appropriate phrase which can be used to highlight the present situation to the overall detriment of the people of Fata.
Muhammad Fareed Khan Wazir
Peshawar