August 06, 2018: The 22nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on June 08, 2018, on the topic of “Abolition of FCR and Rule of Law”.
The first guest on show, Mr. Zahir Shah, Advocate Peshawar High Court, said that the rehabilitation and development process might take some years after the merger of FATA with KP. However, the best part about KP-FATA merger is that now the tribesmen and women will have the right to access apex courts in the country as equal citizens. He emphasized that the process of reforms may be slow and gradual but most importantly the abolition of FCR (Frontier Crimes Regulation) is a sigh of relief for the newly emerged districts given tribal people’s exploitation under the draconian law for decades. The community leaders and prominent personalities of FATA, and civil society along with the state should create an understanding among the common people that the merger has taken place and now they have to move ahead collectively to make the transition process smooth and effective. He said that the FATA youth must now channel their talents and energies into the national socio-political life, besides creating a demand for their basic right of quality education.
The second guest on show, Mr. Safder Hayat Dawar noted that the merger was inevitable as FCR remain imposed in these areas since 1901. Local people were trapped and entangled as they did not have access to justice and rule of law, unlike their fellow citizens from other parts of the country. The tribal youth has played a very vital role in this historic decision as they are well aware of their rights and responsibilities as equal citizens of the state.
Dr. Abdul Hafiz from Bajaur and a social activist in Peshawar, said in the radio report that end to FCR was longstanding demand of the tribal people and extension of regular law would bring this part of the country on par with others.
“For a long time, our people have been making efforts to abolish FCR and extend regular law. People of FATA got succeeded and I perceive it as a positive step; auguring well for our future. I hope that this merger will bring happiness and progress in the region especially vis-à-vis health and education, besides, other sectors will also be developed. All the people in FATA were united about this demand and their success is a matter of great delight.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.