Implementation of another legal system is likely to remain at odds with the existing one
ISLAMABAD: One after the other, the implementation of Fata reforms continues to face obstruction. The recent hurdle to surround the issue is of the extension of jurisdiction of the superior judiciary to the region. The bill titled the Supreme Court and High Court (extension of Jurisdiction to Fata) Bill 2018, despite being criticised for numerous legal and technical flaws, is now awaiting approval of the Senate.
Further, without the abolition of the current laws being practised in the region, including the notorious Frontier Crimes Regulation 1901, the implementation of another legal system is likely to remain at odds with the existing one. Although it would be laudable if the incumbent government manages to integrate the legislative system of Fata with the rest of the country, for complete and concrete implementation it is pivotal that the existing legal structure is entirely reformed into the new one.
Zahabiya Zaman
Published in The Express Tribune, January 16th, 2018.
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