CRSS launches unique TV debate on FATA – Hum Bhi Pakistan (We are also Pakistan)
In May 2014, the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) produced the first ever series of shows on the Past, Present and Future of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) to be aired on National Television channels. This is a big leap forward in CRSS– drive for inclusive democracy and fundamental rights. Never before did FATA come under such focused and sustained debate involving leading stakeholders from within FATA as well as those representing Pakistan mainstream political parties. The participants in the shows included as many as 40 parliamentarians, rights– activists, analysts and academia as guest speakers and 60 male and female students from different regions of FATA. The main focus of the related debate, discussions and questions was on whether the people of FATA want to be part of Pakistan ruled by the Constitution of Pakistan, whether they want Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) repealed or amended the role of FATA parliamentarians, the authoritarian Political Agent, development of FATA and empowerment of women among other issues. It is definitely a first in the history of FATA political rights– advocacy that its problems, concerns and future prospects were debated in a series of TV shows.