Dead men walking

Since the creation of Pakistan, people living in the tribal areas have contributed a great deal towards the country’s progress. Fata is perhaps the only region that has borne the brunt of the war on terror in many ways. While the higher authorities chose to look away, the people living in area continue to suffer from gross injustice. Last month, Naqeebullah Mehsud was killed in a fake encounter which was allegedly headed by Rao Anwar. This was followed by the Pakhtuns protest in which the residents of Fata called for justice. A couple of days ago, two more boys, Ihsanuddin and Aftab Mehsud, were also shot dead.

The unjust killings of young men have angered the people who are now demanding for speedy justice and serious punishments to the culprits. If the government continues to ignore the miseries and grievances of people of Fata, the people’s assumption that the authorities do not treat the area in a just manner will be proved to be true. The hostile agencies of the hostile neighbouring countries are already trying to destabilise Pakistan by creating disturbance and chaos in Fata. Under such circumstances, we cannot afford to have a vacuum created between Fata and the government.

Hanif Ullah

Bajaur