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FATA Reforms PDF
FATA Reforms PDF
However, there is a ray of hope for Fata, if reforms are introduced. On Nov 8,
2015, the prime minister announced the formation of a Fata Reforms Committee
on foreign affairs. In the wake of the APS tragedy, the government announced the
National Action Plan to counter terrorism. To achieve the objectives set in the
NAP, bringing FATA into the national mainstream was inevitable so as to improve
the socioeconomic indicators and to reduce the incidence of poverty that at 73
percent is the highest in the country, according to a recent report on
“Multidimensional Poverty,” issued by the Planning Commission of Pakistan.
There are two kinds of reform decisions required — these pertain to the political
and development aspects. Secondly, it would be important to give extra weight to a
process of consultation over the substance of reform. Both are important but in this
case, the process must receive more attention.
As Fata constitutes the borderland with Afghanistan that is already under intense
security stress there is danger of chaos. This situation necessitates the
strengthening of internal security that may be built around three parameters: a) a
strong border security force near the international border to prevent unauthorized
movement along 350km of Fata’s border with Afghanistan; b) a full strength
Frontiers Corps to maintain internal order inside the agencies; c) a strong frontier
Corps-like force (by amalgamating the Frontier Constabulary) that will cover the
ridge line between the districts and former agencies.
To conclude it will be appropriate to merge Fata with KP as both the Malakand and
Gilgit-Baltistan models are flawed; it needs to be done to prevent more violence in
northwest Pakistan.
The primary first step for Fata reform will be the holding of a referendum for its
merger with KP because without it there will be no legitimacy and ordinary
tribesmen would be dissatisfied. Secondly, for the purposes of restoring social
cohesion in Fata and reducing the threat of violence, the government must
undertake a well-funded reconciliation program; other aspects like changes in the
law and the manner of policing should be finalized in the form of a transition
program. It is a propitious moment for Fata reforms and must be made good use of
while the Pakistan Army is still in the ascendant in Fata.