FATA REFORMS: COMMUNITY PERCEPTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF CONSTRAINTS IN IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

This research article contains comprehensive and detailed analysis of community perception
towards FATA reforms, to be implemented gradually and to identify various constraints in its
implementation. Efforts have been made to remain focused on the measures if taken, to
integrate and mainstream tribal belt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Further, it aims to explore
expected outcome of FATA reforms. This research study has been undertaken in Bajaur
Agency FATA where the data has been collected through Likert Scale Questionnaire from a
sample of 280 respondents which were selected randomly from different areas of Bajaur
Agency. The study found that the people of FATA were very optimistic about the FATA reforms
and welcome FATA merger into KP. Regarding community perception, majority of the
respondents were apprehensive about implementation of FATA reforms due to presence of
major gaps. Moreover, it demonstrates consent of general public of FATA as they believe their
financial, social, political, judicial structure and economic condition will improve on pretext
of FATA reforms and human rights condition will improve in the area which is long due. The study recommended that FCR programme cannot be improved through amendments and FATA
should be merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without further delay.