The 75th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on July 05, 2019, on the theme of “Elections in Erstwhile FATA, a Step Towards Inclusion”.
The programme focused on the first ever elections held in merged tribal districts (erstwhile FATA) for 16 general seats of the Provincial Assembly of the Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KP). It is the first major step towards inclusion and a more connected future, after the integration of tribal districts into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a result of 25th Amendment, one and half a year ago. Tribal people are very excited about these elections and hope that their political participation will lead to a sustainable peace in the province.
The first guest on show, Mr. Shahsawar Khan, a social worker, was of the view that the draconian law of Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) deprived the tribal people of their fundamental human rights. The merger of FATA into the larger KP province augurs well for the status and rights of tribal people as equal citizens having been protected by the constitution of Pakistan. However, a proper planning is the need of the hour to ameliorate the issues related to administrative, political and social development in the region.
The 25th Constitutional Amendment has given us the rights to assembly and political campaign; both essential prerequisites for democracy. The introduction of electoral process is also critical to foster the sense of inclusion among the people of erstwhile FATA. The common people of tribal region are very excited about and looking forward to their political participation and democratic processes, both men and women. He concluded by saying that the election commission has to be very vigilant for smooth and peaceful implementation of the electoral process.
The second guest in studio, Mr. Zahir Shah Safi Advocate said that holding elections in a transparent manner is the need of the hour to establish trust between the people and government and build linkages critical to inclusive democracy and communal development. The funds allocated for the development of tribal districts needs to be provided on time with proper implementation mechanism in place. After the provincial assembly elections, another milestone for effective governance in former FATA areas would be local government elections.
The third guest on phone, Dr. Ashraf Ali, an analyst and journalist by profession, opined that deprivation of the political rights and absence in the parliament hugely increases gaps between the citizens and state. This can also serve as an opportunity for the hostile elements to drive individuals towards extremism and anti-state activities. The integration of FATA into KP province has created a highly conducive environment for political participation and inclusion.
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.