Pakistan’s former tribal areas have a complex history that is intertwined with the legacy of British colonial rule. Geopolitical and geostrategic considerations forced the British to introduce a weird and separate form of the administrative system in the tribal areas. Military operations, threats, bribes, and the divide-and-rule were part of the policy to force the populace into submission. The Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), a statute, was called an “engine of oppression and subjugation”. The FCR allows for the collective punishment of an entire tribe for the crimes of individuals and has been criticised for its lack of due process and disregard for human rights.

Ironically, the inhuman and uncivilised system introduced by the so-called civilised government of the British Raj in the tribal belt continued for decades after the creation of Pakistan. The excuse by successive governments in Pakistan for failing to introduce reforms or merge the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with their adjoining districts was the internal and external dynamics of the region.

The historic constitutional and legislative amendments led to FATA’s merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) in 2018, a move that was widely seen as a significant step towards the integration and mainstreaming of the tribal areas into Pakistan’s legal, administrative, and political system. Nonetheless, it will not be a smooth sail because of its complexity and myriad other difficulties.

The merger was also seen as a response to growing concerns over the security situation in the tribal areas, which had been a hotbed of militancy and insurgency for many years. By bringing the tribal areas into the mainstream, the government hoped to address some of the underlying causes of militancy and extremism, such as poverty, marginalisation, and a lack of access to education and other basic services.

KP – FATA Merger: Challenges and Prospects

Some of the major challenges and prospects that have emerged after the merger are:

1. Governance: The merger has brought the tribal areas under the same legal and administrative framework as the rest of the country, which is expected to improve governance and service delivery in the region. However, the government will need to invest in building the capacity of local institutions to effectively govern the region, particularly in areas that were previously under the control of militant groups.
2. Security: The tribal areas have been a hotbed of militancy and insurgency for many years, and the government’s ability to maintain security and stability in the region will be a key challenge. The security forces will need to work closely with local communities to address the underlying causes of militancy and extremism and to prevent the resurgence of militant groups. This could involve providing greater economic and social opportunities to the youth, as well as promoting greater social cohesion and community engagement.
3. Social and Cultural Identity: The tribal areas have a unique set of social and cultural traditions that are distinct from the rest of the country, and there are concerns that the merger could erode the region’s identity and autonomy. The government will need to ensure that the unique identity and autonomy of the tribal areas are preserved while also promoting integration and mainstreaming. This could include the promotion of cultural events, language, and literature and the preservation of historical sites and landmarks.
4. Capacity Building of Local Institutions: The government should invest in building the capacity of local institutions to effectively govern the region, including the police, judiciary, and other administrative bodies. This could involve providing training and resources to local officials, as well as promoting greater local ownership and participation in decision-making.
5. Economic Development: The government will need to invest in building the region’s infrastructure and human capital to fully realise its economic potential. The government should prioritise investment in infrastructure and development in the tribal areas, particularly in areas that were previously neglected or underdeveloped. This could include the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and other basic infrastructure, as well as the promotion of economic development through investment, trade, and tourism. This region is rich in natural resources, which must be explored and used in order for these places to flourish and advance. Other advantages for locals and the whole country may result from the establishment of industrial and economic zones, transit facilities for commerce with Afghanistan, and the growth of tourism.
6. Political Representation: The Government should grant greater representation to the tribal areas in Pakistan’s national institutions, which is expected to enhance their political empowerment and participation. However, there are concerns that the region’s unique political culture and traditions could be sidelined by mainstream political parties, and the government will need to ensure that the region’s political representation is inclusive and representative of its diverse communities. This could involve promoting greater political participation among women and marginalised groups, as well as ensuring that the voices of tribal elders and other community leaders are heard in the decision-making process.
7. Misperception of the People. The upheavals of the last few years have fragmented and badly affected the tribal system. Additionally, it sparked and developed negative emotions and grievances against the government among some sections of the population. A key question that needs to be answered is whether the new system will reconcile, neutralise, and calm this state of mind among a large segment of the populace. Likewise, the reconstruction, reorganisation, and rehabilitation of those regions that have suffered significant damage as a result of militancy and military operations.
8. Financial Assistance: Special funds should be allocated to FATA for the next 10 to 15 years under an appropriate monitoring system in order to repair and upgrade the fundamental civic and communication infrastructure of the region.

Conclusion

The successful merger of the FATA with KP will require a sustained commitment on the part of the government to address the challenges and concerns that have emerged, including the preservation of the region’s strategic position, unique cultural identity, investment in infrastructure and development, capacity building of local institutions, addressing security concerns, and ensuring inclusive and representative political representation. Only by promoting greater integration, development, and political participation in the region can the government ensure a more stable and prosperous future for the Tribal areas and their diverse communities. The reforms should be carried out gradually and sincerely.