Impediments Involved in the Integration of Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (Fata) in the National Mainstream of Pakistan

This paper aims to analyze the impediments involved in integration of the FATA in the national mainstream of Pakistan with a view to make suitable recommendations. This paper briefly discusses the historical background and provides a short overview of the administrative, judicial, political and socio-economic aspects of the FATA. In assessing the underlying causes of the FATA problem, this paper suggests a significant change to the FATA's status quo as an essential and effective measure. To understand the FATA conundrum, case studies of handling Pashtuns residing in the region of the NWF by British, Soviets and later by Pakistan have been done. It has provided a better understanding and apt analysis of the current situation. The paper also addresses the concerns of Pakistan on the involvement of foreign hand in destabilizing the situation inside the FATA and other parts of Pakistan. As the credibility of such like information is always difficult to ascertain; therefore, occasional release of related news in the media and comments of senior Pakistani officials and journalist have been used as base facts for drawing relevant conclusion. The world at large and Pakistanis in particular have to unveil forces working behind the scenes in the FATA. In addition, an effective reform package with a potent media campaign is required to go in to the FATA, thereby not only making the locals aware of the sensitivity of the problem of extremism coupled with terrorism in their society but to make the reminder of Pakistanis also realize that the FATA requires a national effort of integration which cannot be left to only one component of government i.e. Army and other LEAs.