The 115th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) discussed the how equal citizenry rights figure in the post FATA-KP merger scenario.
The first guest on show, Ms. Baseerat Bibi, Member, Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noted that Pakistan’s tribal areas had been governed under a special law known as the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) for over seven decades since creation of Pakistan, until they were merged with KP province through 25th constitutional amendment.
Previously, the access to fundamental human rights – available to the citizens in other parts of the country – was highly restricted for the people of former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) due to FCR.
The 25th amendment has increased the public awareness about fundamental values and created an environment conducive to participation in and access to democratic processes and rights, respectively. The step augurs well for the region in terms of peace, security and development.
Women need to be encouraged to come forward and play their critical role in the peace building process. While the development process in the region will be gradual and it will take some time to develop the core service delivery systems, it is really important for people to be patient and cooperate, aware of the new system and services on offer for them. To bring change in the merged districts, it is extremely important to educate people and sensitize them on the values – of respect, acceptance and rule of law – key to social cohesion, where media has an important role to play in this regard.
The second guest on show, Mr. Abdul Majid Wazir, a student and Ulasi Taroon alumnus, noted that the young members of tribal society have an important role to play in the development of their region, especially in terms of improving democratic awareness. This includes enhancing public understanding about their rights that they are entitled to and duties as a matter of responsible citizenship.
The third guest on phone, Mr. Wali Khan, advocate noted that the merger has also extended the country’s judicial system to the former FATA districts. This is one of the most significant development in terms of strengthening democracy in the region. However, people are still unaware of it or hesitant to approach and utilize the available legal fora and services.
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 strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.