Under the shade of FCR, political agents misuse powers for their vested interests
LORALAI: This refers to a recent video on social media, in which a political agent from Bajaur Agency can be seen using abusive language against the local populace. His belligerent address to the gathering of local people underscores how political agents in Fata lead the people of the area. Moreover, he openly threatened people of consequences if they raise their voices against the ruthless and brutal behaviour of local administration. This video clip shows the mindset of political agents under the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) act in Fata. Though the FCR is widely regarded as a draconian law, its implementation in the tribal areas is prevalent, but not welcome by the people. After Independence, other tribal areas got rid of the FCR but Fata remained in its clutches.
Under the shade of FCR, political agents misuse powers for their vested interests and personal rivalries. The political agents also rudely behave with local people and treat them like unwanted guests. They overtly suppress the grudges and grievances of the local people. All decisions of Fata are made under the thumbs of political agents. They are empowered to the extent that they can convict or absolve the accused in any charge. In case of conviction, nobody can challenge their decision in any high court. In the same breath, under section 23 of FCR, all members of a village are considered responsible for a murder if a dead body is found in their village.
The lukewarm attitude of the federal government towards this unconstitutional law is beyond comprehension. It is high time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his government brought the people of Fata in the ambit of the Constitution and mitigated their countless miseries.
M Ishaq Nasar
Published in The Express Tribune, February 14th, 2017.
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