Integration of FATA: now is the time

The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) are at the forefront of public attention and this time for mostly good reasons. The ongoing military operation has delivered against violent groups contributing to a substantial reduction of violence in the country during the last year – up to 50% according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies.  Internal displacement caused by the operation swelled to 302 thousand families but since then 36% have returned home and more are expected soon.  The Government’s Sustainable Return and Rehabilitation Strategy, aimed at increasing investments in the areas of returns, is now well underway and development partners have mobilized. Importantly, there are serious proposals for consideration from different sectors including the executive, the military and parliamentarians related to integrating FATA into the rest of Pakistan recognizing that any development investment will be meaningful for the people of FATA only if accompanied by decisive administrative, governance, legal and constitutional reforms. Consensus on all those fronts is critical for stability in Pakistan and the region and a precondition for sustainable human development