Religion, Economics, and Politics in FATA-KP: The Enduring Challenges of Merged Tribal Districts in Northwestern Pakistan

This book provides a unique Pakistani perspective on the Federally Administered Tribal Agencies (FATA) and proposes economic development reforms to integrate the region into mainstream Pakistani society. It highlights key economic, political, and religious issues and proposes phased reforms over 10+ years to encourage indigenous economic practices, womens empowerment, education, food security, subsistence agriculture, and transportation and communication infrastructure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang Publishing Inc

This book offers a distinctive Pakistani viewpoint and insight into a region that has received relatively little scholarly attention to date. Since 2001, the Federally Administered Tribal Agencies (now known as merged Tribal Districts) have been at the forefront of the War on Terror in Pakistan. The FATA-KP region is a critical geopolitical area for Pakistan. This work examines key economic, political, and religious issues in the FATA-KP region to identify strategies for ending ongoing conflicts and integrating the region into mainstream Pakistani society. This project proposes a series of phased economic development reforms that can guide FATA's transition as an integrated territory within the rest of Pakistan. These reforms should encourage indigenous economic practices, women's empowerment, the education system, food security, subsistence agriculture, and transportation and communication infrastructure whenever possible. These improvements can be implemented in 10+ year plans designed to organize a committed effort to develop and integrate FATA with the rest of Pakistan.

The FATA-KP region is a complex and diverse area that has been affected by decades of conflict, poverty, and marginalization. The region is home to a population of over 10 million people, many of whom live in remote and isolated communities. The region is also home to a number of militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Haqqani Network, which have been responsible for a number of terrorist attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The book highlights the economic, political, and religious challenges facing the FATA-KP region. The region is characterized by a lack of infrastructure, poor education, and limited access to healthcare and other basic services. The region's economy is largely based on agriculture, but the productivity of the land is low, and many farmers are unable to earn a living wage. The region is also home to a number of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and marble, but these resources have not been fully exploited due to a lack of investment and infrastructure.

The book proposes a series of phased economic development reforms that can help to address these challenges. The reforms should focus on improving the infrastructure in the region, including roads, electricity, and telecommunications. The government should also invest in education and healthcare, particularly in rural areas, to improve the quality of life for the region's residents. The book also proposes to promote indigenous economic practices, such as subsistence agriculture and handicrafts, to help to create jobs and generate income for the region's residents.

In addition to economic development, the book also emphasizes the need for political stability and social integration in the FATA-KP region. The region has been plagued by political instability and violence for decades, and the government should work to establish a stable and democratic political system that provides equal rights and opportunities for all residents. The government should also work to promote social cohesion and harmony by addressing the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to conflict and violence.

The book also highlights the role of the international community in promoting peace and stability in the FATA-KP region. The international community should provide support to the government of Pakistan in its efforts to develop and integrate the FATA-KP region into mainstream Pakistani society. The international community should also work to address the underlying causes of conflict and violence in the region, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable insight into the FATA-KP region and its challenges. The region is a critical geopolitical area for Pakistan, and its economic, political, and religious issues have a significant impact on the country's overall development. The book proposes a series of phased economic development reforms that can help to address these challenges and promote peace and stability in the region. The government, the international community, and the region's residents should all work together to implement these reforms and create a better future for the FATA-KP region.

Weight: 525g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781433164781
Edition number: New ed