Conflict in FATA and Governance

Abstract

[Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) is a distinct territory within Pakistan as far as its unique culture, traditions and governance structure is concerned. These tribal areas have generally been peaceful and calm throughout Pakistan's history but peace was ruined, as fallout of War on Terror and subsequent military operations since 2003-04. As Americans are themselves negotiating with Afghan Taliban, there can be no reason for Pakistan not to give peace a chance by starting a process of reorientation and reconciliation on its own territory. Besides, colonial-era body of laws that isolates the region from the rest of the country, giving it an ambiguous constitutional status and denying the political freedom and economic opportunity to its population, needs to be amended according to the aspirations of the people, at the earliest and in a comprehensive way. The longer the government delays implementing political, administrative, judicial and economic reforms, the more difficult it will be to stabilize the region.]