DENIAL OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL RIGHTS IN FATA: PROSPECTS OF INTEGRATION

Abstract

This research focusses on the violation of social, economic and political rights in Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan and possible prospects to integrate the marginalized areas with rest of Pakistan. Since Pakistan’s inception, various reforms were introduced in these areas but without any substantive impact. The area has witnessed poor level of administration and socio-economic and political deprivation throughout its history. According to the constitutional provisions of Pakistan, these areas enjoy a semi-autonomous status administered through a special legal instrument called Frontier Crimes Regulation. The provisions contains in FCR violates the rights enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan and international documents such as Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, European Convention on Human Rights, Covenant on All forms of Discrimination Against women. This research discusses a brief historical background and provides a short overview of the political, administrative, judicial and socio-economic aspects of FATA. An analysis of the impediments involved in the integration of FATA with suitable recommendations are discussed. This research suggests a significant change to FATA’s status, which is essential for the progress and development of the region.