Even after 65 years, the region is still being operated under the Frontier Crimes Regulations, a colonial legacy.
ISLAMABAD: Many acts of terrorism, according to details provided by the law-enforcement agencies, seem to originate in Fata, simply because it provides a safe haven to criminals and offenders. Article 1 of the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan specifically mentions Fata among the territories of Pakistan. However, it is a dilemma that even after 65 years of independence, the region is still being operated under the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR), a colonial legacy.
I wonder why parliament doesn’t pass a bill abolishing the FCR and bring Fata into the administrative, legislative and judicial mainstream. If Pata (Provincially-Administered Tribal Areas) can be subjected to national laws and courts, then why the exemption for Fata?
Syeda Saima Shabbir
PhD Fellow
International Islamic University
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2012.
