The FCR misery

Fata is part Pakistan but unfortunately even after 65 years of independence the area has not been given its constitutional status. It is being governed under the draconian Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) 1901. The 1973 constitution neither provides any relief nor guarantees social rights to the tribal people. Thus, neither do the people of Fata enjoy human rights nor can they claim any other status, privilege or position guaranteed to the citizens of Pakistan. The FCR was used as a tool by the British to suppress people. All executive, judiciary and administrative powers are in the hands of one person – political agent – which he uses without any accountability.
Many amendments made in the constitution regarding reforms in Fata have failed to mitigate the sufferings of the people of Fata and the only solution lies in abolishing the FCR and granting Fata equal constitutional rights as enjoyed by people in the rest of the country.
Rafi Uddin Mehsud
South Waziristan Agency