Crucial reform in Pak tribal areas
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan government on Thursday approved a move to merge the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), long known as a base for militant groups such as the Haqqani Network, with adjoining KhyberPakhtunkhwa province.
A committee to suggest ways for developing seven semi-autonomous tribal agencies had recommended the merger of the troubled region. Critics condemned the move as shortsighted and impractical, but supporters say it will bring economic empowerment to the neglected area.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who chaired a meeting of the cabinet that approved the move, said the people of Fata, Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will be given their due rights. “The cabinet accords in-principle approval to the recommendations of the Fata reforms committee,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s House.
Under the plan, the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), a draconian colonial era law whereby an entire tribe or community could be punished for crimes committed by an individual, will be replaced. The constitution will be amended to allow residents of Fata to elect representatives to the provincial assembly.
The merger would be completed over five years and funds will be allocated for a 10-year development package for the region.