October 26, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon was about the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) and the future of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The key points of discussion include the FCR reforms bill, amendments in the FCR, merging of FATA with Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP), and the role of political parties in reforming FCR. The education sector’s performance under the current system in FATA was also a part of the discussion.
The program aired on Monday under the theme “Jarga Marraka” (public dialogue). Two guests participated in the program. They were Mr. Sajid Momand, president of the political party Pakistan Tehreek–e-Insaf (PTI) in Momand Agency, and Mr. Zarnoor Afridi, a leader from Jamaat–e-Islami (JI).
The programs central theme was highlighted in a report from Khyber Agency which featured opinions of political leaders and local elders about the abolition of FCR. It also focused on the amendments in FCR, FCR reforms bill and the merging of KP with FATA. Mr. Akunzada Chattan, a political activist and member of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), said that, “We want to get rid of this barbaric law, imposed on us for 114 years. FATA should be a part of KP. We are united on this stance and have presented a bill in the national assembly regarding this.”
Four callers participated in the live program. They demanded that the FCR be abolished and urged the government to extend the constitution of Pakistan to FATA.
Sabir Khan, a caller on the show said, “FATA cannot govern as a separate province thus when KP and FATA combine it will bring a better solution.” Adil Tori, another caller said, “There are few people opposing the abolition of FCR and its high time the government streamlines FATA to get rid of the FCR.” Another caller Abdul Qadir, said, “The law and order situation in FATA is at its worst which has made people’s lives miserable.”
Sajid Momand, President PTI, Momand Agency
“We are ready for an independent province when FATA merges with KP. We want to get rid of this black law, imposed on us since colonial times. This has held us back in every walk of life. Now all the political parties are united for reforms in FATA and we hope to see the progress.”
Mr. Zarnoor Afridi, Leader, JI
“The abolition of the FCR would be a great step towards development in FATA. The NFC award will benefit us. The national budget and powers will be disseminated to the lower tiers as well, which will make FATA a more powerful and developed region.”