FATA: A sensitive Region to deal with
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) considers as a sensitive areas of Pakistan because of its religious extremism. This region comprises of 27,220 km with the population of 3,341,070 people according to the data collected in 2000 which is the 2% of Pakistan’s population. The area comprises on Seven Agencies, namely Khyber, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzi, North and West area of Waziristan.
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) considers as a sensitive areas of Pakistan because of its religious extremism. This region comprises of 27,220 km with the population of 3,341,070 people according to the data collected in 2000 which is the 2% of Pakistan’s population. The area comprises on Seven Agencies, namely Khyber, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzi, North and West area of Waziristan.
The geographical location of FATA is significantly important as it bordered by Afghanistan to the west, North-West Frontier Province, the Punjab to the east, and Balouchistan to the south. In past the people of this area were used by US against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan with Taliban (Organization of Afghanistan) and were well motivated under the concept of Jihad. The religious constrains hovered over the minds of people of this area consequently they started rebellious movements in the region.
Though the region is controlled by the central government of Pakistan but the main administrative body remained Pashtun tribes in this region. The strength of the tribal system even in the colonial age couldn’t let the Britishers rule over the region. As a result they made Frontier Crime Regulation in this area. Unfortunately after independence this area remained a neglected one and no government tried to declare the old laws of colonial rule null and void. Though the people of this area even not in favor of FCR and they demand for the equal rights as the people of 4 provinces are getting being the citizens of Pakistan.
The decision of new government to revoke FCR is daunting measure though this decision contains lot of risks in itself. Although the final decision would be taken through the parliament but it would be vigilant if the government acquires some changes rather then immediately finishing it. Otherwise it could cause the chaos in the area. Secondly the area has been neglected over the 60 years, it desperately need the developmental programs.
The Prim Minister Makhdoom Youaf Raza Gillani definitely throw light on the policy of new government regarding this area by keeping in mind the role of Pakistan in War against terrorism. He while understanding the sentiments of the people of this area decided to deal with the situation vigilantly. Therefore he asserted “I appeal to all the people to shun violence and join us in the journey of democracy. We are ready to talk to all those who will give up their weapons and opt for peace.” He acknowledged the need of socio-economic reforms in the area so that poverty and illiteracy could be removing to avoid social ills which are breeding the terrorism. Simultaneously, US is continuously blaming at the area to support Talibanisation which is a permanent threat to the world security paradigm therefore they considered theses people “irreconcilable militants” to which no talk is required. However the government policy regarding the problem is having its worth.
Another important step the government is needed to stop cross border infiltration by closing it borders so that this area could get rid of the influence of Taliban in Afghanistan. Right now the area demands for the sense of security from inner so that the out threats could be avoided. Therefore all the decisions with the consensus of people and all political alliances are required in near future.
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