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The Underlying Reasons behind the Resistance to Political Transformation in Erstwhile FATA: A Qualitative Investigation in Dara Adam Khel, Kohat
Mr. Zakir Ullah, Mr. Zaki Ullah Khan
Abstract:
Mainstreaming erstwhile FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was considered a landmark decision in order to bring prosperity, peace, and development to the tribal belt. However, due to the lack of consultation with the local stakeholders, the merger received and is still facing resistance from the local people of the erstwhile FATA. This study investigated the resistance to political transformation in the tribal region, focusing on one of the main cities, Dara Adam Khel. Due to the exploratory nature of the problem, a qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. A total of 20 participants were recruited through purposive sampling. The findings reveal that the majority of people do not support the erstwhile FATA's merger due to a lack of fair consultation with the locals before taking such an important decision about their future. Furthermore, there is confusion and a lack of trust about the newly established legal system in the tribal areas. The people fear losing their traditions and values due to the extension of formal laws and policing systems. While the people also fear that the local resources like coal and Marble will be taken by the government. This study recommends that the government should seriously revive and supervise the progress of peacebuilding and development in the region. Moreover, the local stakeholders must be involved in major decisions in order to smoothly transition the post-merger developments.
Keywords:
Ex-FATA merger, reforms committee, resistance, F.C.R., socio-political development. Economic development.
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