THE MERGER OF FATA: BREAKING THE CLUTCHES OF BRITISH COLONIAL FRONTIER CRIMES REGULATIONS (FCR)

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The present study aimed to find the association between frontier crime regulations (FCR) abolishment (independent variable) in the context of the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (dependent variable). Methodology: The study follows a crossectional research design. Primary data were collected from 384 randomly selected respondents of the two newly merged districts, Khyber and Kurram of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The association and strength of the relationship were obtained by the application of Chi-Square (χ2) and Kandel Tau b (Tb) test statistics. Main Findings: Based on the obtained statistics, the FCR law was against fundamental rights, favoring the local elites, a hurdle to development, a source of corruption, outdated and inefficient in counter militancy, unpopular, and the tribals ready to welcome the modern governance system. The background variables gender and age yielded spurious relationships. At the same time, socio-economic status resulted in a non-spurious relationship between the variables above. Applications of this study: The research results can be applied to such studies that focus on the indigenous culture, governance, and fundamental human rights. Novelty/Originality of this study: This study's unique feature is that it is the first-ever attempt to investigate such kinds of topics in Pakistan's tribal regions. Besides, it also provides an outlook of the inhuman and unjustified state-sponsored FCR.