FEDERALLY ADMINISTERED TRIBAL AREAS (FATA): FROM NO-MAN’S LAND TO POLITICAL MAINSTREAMING

Abstract

Abstract The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) was a ‘no man' zone for political activities and freedom of thought and expression thus resultantly making it a real threat for the country’s survival and security. Since long, the people of Fata have been deprived of basic human rights and other socio-economic opportunities existing in the rest of Pakistan. As a consequence of lingering problem and seclusion from the State and mainstream politics Fata remained a governance nightmare, where instability and lawlessness is rampant. The current system of governance, the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) that governed the area, was
introduced by the British rulers for their own colonial aims in the region. The same system remained and continued even after the reassignment of the area from British majestic administration to Pakistan. Under the Constitution of Pakistan, the President is the only authority to enact laws for Fata. In mid-2011 President Asif Ali Zardari issued two orders regarding Amendments in the FCR and Extension of the Political Parties Order to Fata, planning to endorse administrative, judicial and political reforms in the tribal areas of Pakistan. The prolonged lack of political activities along with other issues makes any development and reforms agenda in the area (Fata) both unique and challenging.