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The Diplomat
6 days ago
- Business
- The Diplomat
Is Pakistan's Second Chance in the Tribal Areas Slipping Away?
In 2018, Pakistan overhauled the status and governance of FATAs. Yet the area remains socio-economically disadvantaged and violence is surging. The president of Pakistan enacted the 25th Amendment to the constitution on May 31, 2018, signalling a watershed moment in the country's constitutional landscape with expansive socio-political corollaries for the frontline populations of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA). Eight clauses of Pakistan's 1973 Constitution were modified by the 25th Amendment to reflect this legal change. FATAs' pre-existing 'discriminatory status' as a constitutionally suspended zone was abolished (Art. 1), leading to its territorial merger with the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), while PATAs were incorporated into the provincial governments of Balochistan and KP (Art. 246). Over seven decades after Pakistan's independence, the 25th Amendment finally upgraded the status of FATA community members from 'subjects' to that of 'real citizens,' noted Muhammad Zubair. To counteract the longstanding dominance of oppressive colonialism under the tutelage of the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), this legislation promised historically disadvantaged indigenous groups newly acquired constitutional rights and meaningful democratic influence in both the provincial legislature of KP and the National Assembly. Yet, the observable reality has fallen far short of the spirit of the changes. What we see in the merged districts (MDs) is a shallow governance architecture without grounding. Despite its redesignation and the semblance of a unified structure and leadership, there are limited substantive reforms, a lack of state accountability and inadequate strategic thinking – all of which hinder prospects for sustainable performance. A Lack of Functional Governance The federal government had committed to investing 100 billion Pakistani rupees annually for 10 years – equivalent to 3 percent of the Federal Divisible Pool – thereby supporting the development of the merged areas. This pledge remains unfulfilled. Development initiatives remain obstructed by the failings of the provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab to deliver on their contributions. The merger had ambitious goals for rehabilitated social services and infrastructural development, but the ASPIRE KP Symposium Report (2024) laid bare that inappropriate fund allocation – and failures to allocate funds at all – have caused development processes to reach a standstill. Socio-economic progress and the standard of living in the MDs continue to be adversely affected by the insufficient provision of medical services, educational institutions, and transportation. With Pakistan's economic impediments, the World Bank's resident mission had warned in 2023 that anticipated reforms and service delivery enhancements would be tricky. Any failures would disproportionately impact the vulnerable within the tribal jurisdictions, predominantly women and children. There is therefore an increasing disconnect between official rhetoric on the MDs and the actual lived experiences there. Former legislator and National Democratic Movement (NDM) chief Mohsin Dawar ascribed the lagging advancement of the ex-FATA merger to a lack of prioritization by those in power, holding both federal and provincial governments liable. The provincial government, he asserts, has not made appropriate use of the funds allocated for the MDs' socioeconomic advancement, and the federal government is withholding the agreed-upon proportion for KP province's MDs. Administrative integration remains a distant prospect, despite FATA's political integration with KP having granted locals a voice in the provincial assembly. Stagnation persists in local government, legislative overhauls, and law enforcement mechanisms, where untenable imbalances in institutional and legal architectures cannot be readily disregarded. Under the terms of the merger, the district commissioner of neighboring municipalities/districts superseded the political agent. These federal government bureaucrats still perceive locals as subordinates rather than citizens qualified for public services. Also, certain regions saw violent clashes due to the protracted protocols for regulating land ownership, which endangered the government's mandate to enact the merger through holistic reforms. Progress in the MDs' legal system also stalled. After the abrogation of the FCR, the KP chief minister appointed session courts, together with the installation of judicial posts in seven districts across five divisions: Peshawar, Malakand, Kohat, Bannu, and D.I. Khan. All told, the MDs have seven district session judges, 14 additional district session judges, seven senior civil judges, and 24 civil judges, yet the judicial system remains in an unsustainable condition of dereliction. Naveed Ahmad Shinwari, an experienced regional development professional, observed that in certain districts, judicial complexes are either nonexistent or commissioned in neighboring jurisdictions, forcing people to travel to these areas for justice and legal services, which introduces additional barriers to access. The lack of a functioning judicial system nurtures an overwhelming sense of insecurity, hence diminishing trust among tribal communities in the legal process. Moreover, police reforms linger as a patchy and partial effort. More than 26,000 ex-Khasadar and Levies personnel were absorbed into the KP police, but they are largely uneducated and inadequately prepared. Quite alarmingly, they regularly have to procure their own weaponry and purchase uniforms independently. Simply put, the police force in the MDs remains mired in an operational limbo, with no defined roadmap to oversee the complexities of post-merger governance. As Manzar Zaidi aptly put it, 'renaming an apple an orange' would not change its nature; likewise, simply recalibrating the nomenclature of the MDs' bureaucratic framework is unlikely to improve its performance without a deep institutional reckoning, capital infusion, and persistent organizational resolve toward overhauling the police force. Any reforms would have to reconcile tribal traditions with socioeconomic growth, securing baseline service delivery for the historically disadvantaged tribal community while also factoring in the region's competing jurisdictions and layered authority structures. Under the leadership of Malik Shah Mahmood and Malik Bismillah Khan Afridi, a delegation of tribal elders recently convened with KP Governor Faisal Karim Khan Kundi to relay serious reservations about the worsening security threats and lackluster development in the MDs. Far from improving residents' living standards, the tribal leaders asserted that the merger has resulted in additional constraints for locals. More seriously, escalating feelings of aggravation among the community and an alarming breakdown in law and order are pushing the area back toward structural marginality. The tribal leaders accused the government of pursuing the coercive implementation of externally driven policies devoid of local participation or consensus, and for failing to adhere to the promises made throughout the merger process. The elders called for reinstating the jirga institution to operationalize accessible and equitable justice delivery, reflective of culturally grounded mechanisms. This is already happening, albeit without any official approval. HUM News noted that 'the justice system remains inaccessible and ineffective,' and in its place, 'informal jirgas continue to operate without legal oversight.' Customary adjudication methods have resurged, reclaiming a foothold with little intervention from state legislators and amid weak legislative scrutiny. Without resilient legal and political frameworks, traditional power hegemonies will resurface, leveraging the structural vacuum induced by governmental inertia. The Rise (Again) of Violence Governance in the tribal territories before the 25th Amendment was predominantly security-oriented, which contributed to a state of ostracism and poor governance. The security-first mindset also impaired both administrative efficacy and sociopolitical vitality. Nevertheless, instead of pivoting toward viable civilian administration in the MDs, the system is still heavily securitized, with security governance and counterterrorism as the main focus. This is what the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) protests and activists have repeatedly pointed to. To this day, militarized mechanisms are engulfing meaningful political discourse and the establishment of resilient democratic institutions. When military intervention takes precedence, it inevitably blocks long-term sustainability and the well-being of the affected people. While the former FATAs have transitioned through constitutional integration, the state demonstrates rigid adherence to a traditional security-focused trajectory. It is well-established that Pashtun tribes have seen their way of life violently upended over the past 20-plus years. They have repeatedly been targets for both militant groups and the security apparatus. However, even after the merger, this dynamic remains constant. The predominant concern right now is the recurrence of militant violence that has rendered the affected regions exceedingly vulnerable. Lately, there has been an unsettling spike in lawlessness and violence. Despite calibrated military interventions, the adverse effects on people's daily lives and safety persist. Even women and children have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. Anti-militant marches and gatherings by tribal members show grassroots attempts to reject the violence. The Taliban's return to power in neighboring Afghanistan has further intensified this recurring pattern of militancy and the state's counteroffensives. The resiliency of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has yet again positioned the hinterland as a critical battlefield. The TTP seized the opportunity afforded by improved operational flexibility and connectivity to secure locations across the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, further empowering the group to conduct attacks. While tribal communities are determinedly anti-militant, they simultaneously make serious allegations against intrusive state operations, such as the reinstatement of checkpoints, military surveillance via drones, raids, search operations, and arbitrary detentions. Many locals have voiced grievances about the repeated episodes of being systematically scrutinized and stereotyped 'as militants, based on their tribe, dress, appearance, or ancestral district of origin.' These punitive policing strategies targeting tribal members have proven to be largely ineffective and, yet they remain in place, feeding into a pervasive climate of anxiety and disillusionment. Meanwhile, the security campaign has not even had its intended effect of stopping militancy. TTP offensives continue without interruption, with terrorist attacks especially common in the southern districts of KP near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) Annual Security Report 2024 recorded a clear pattern of decline in yearly casualties from 2015 through 2020, with a 33 percent drop. But recent years have been marked by a disturbing upward trend: terrorism in the country has intensified since the Taliban returned to power. Attacks surged by 38 percent in 2021, then a more modest 15 percent rise in 2022. The most recent years have been horrifying, with attacks up 56 percent in 2023 and 66 percent in 2024. The MDs contiguous with Afghanistan, particularly Kurram, North Waziristan, and Khyber, witnessed the most disturbing increase in casualties from 'violence and counter-violence.' Against this unsettling backdrop, there is focused scrutiny of the military's operations against the Pakistan Taliban. An ex-lawmaker declared: 'The military's seeming stance against the Taliban is merely cosmetic. The TTP is practically running a shadow government.' As the TTP consolidates its grip, its parallel governance system grows into an increasingly formidable entity, thereby exerting greater influence over local affairs and operations in the tribal region. The TTP's maturing shadow government points to a multilayered and deteriorating security situation affecting the entirety of KP and disturbingly even Balochistan, which foregrounds the urgent need for the federal government to urgently adopt a cohesive strategy for combating militants not only on the battlefield but also in the provision of governance. The Link Between Governance and Security Pakistan's counterterrorism approach remains fractured and ineffective. With this in mind, the relevance of local ownership and enfranchisement in decision-making cannot be overstated, argued Aarish Khan. Unless the state effectively integrates its institutions into the MDs, not merely in theory but in practice, power will continue to revert to clientelist structures – including certain armed non-state collaborators and proxies of militant factions. Tribes do not cling to indigenous juridical institutions and shadow governance structures out of rebellion, nor do they, as sometimes alleged, intrinsically reject state legitimacy or its bodies. This crisis has developed purely because the state lacked a meaningful presence in the MDs and the FATAs before them. Security and justice continue to be frustratingly elusive, whereas social services are either scarce or dysfunctional. These assertions are not new; even the KP governor has publicly expressed his dismay about abandoned promises made to the residents of the MDs, and also the complete indifference to infrastructure improvements. For any governance construct and counterterrorism plan to work and succeed, the government needs to seriously and actively involve local communities, appreciating their principal part as major constituents in ensuring peace and security. After reflecting on the past seven years, it quickly becomes clear that the former FATA region has not experienced tangible empowerment. Instead, it is still grappling with corrosive disenchantment and mounting socio-economic grievances as the government appears to revert to a familiar tradition of withdrawal. There is no doubt that the merger may have offered a fleeting illusion of optimism to many in the MDs. But local people's circumstances will remain unstable until the state takes actions to remedy long periods of stagnation and exclusion. Another botched attempt at governance could stall this critical opportunity for reform. Not only must the state recognize the transformative potential of integration, but it must also ensure that it delivers on its pledges and empowers the tribal communities to realize their aspirations and shape their collective identity. Pakistan's tribal peoples are not asking for preferential treatment or charity, nor are they seeking weapons. They are only asserting their constitutional rights: representation, economic resilience, security, equality, and inclusion in the formulation of relevant policymaking that directly impacts their daily realities and will determine their prospects. Simply put, tribal populations are asking for state ownership to which every Pakistani citizen is entitled. But suppose Pakistan persists with its strategic drift in national security policies – marginalizing the periphery, neutralizing dissent, and imposing centralized control. In that case, it risks distancing the tribal community further and renewing the latent vulnerabilities that mainstreaming FATA was expected to redress. Decisive action is needed now, before it is too late and this second chance becomes forever lost.
The Hindu
26-07-2025
- The Hindu
PATA Gold Award 2025 for Kerala Tourism
Kerala Tourism won the PATA Gold Award 2025 in the category of 'Most Engaging Social Media Campaign' for its meme-led makeover campaign. Organised by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the awards honour exceptional achievements in the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism industry. With a cross-platform roll-out across social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, the campaign generated a total reach of 1.2 million and over 89,700 engagements, while also driving user-generated content, influencer collaborations, and viral success through relatable, Kerala-rooted humour. By turning traditional promotion into a two-way conversation, it showcased Kerala's natural beauty and traditions and also set a new benchmark for interactive tourism marketing in the Asia-Pacific region. The award will be presented on August 27 at the PATA Gold Awards 2025 Gala Dinner on the sidelines of PATA Travel Mart at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
PATA honours key tourism leaders gathering
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), in collaboration with the PATA Thailand Chapter and Centara Grand at CentralWorld, hosted a special evening event on June 17 to honour two prominent figures in Thailand's tourism sector: Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, former president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), and Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, the newly appointed director-general of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA). Held at CRU Champagne Bar, the rooftop venue of Centara Grand, the event served as both a farewell to Mr Chiruit and a warm welcome to Mr Siripakorn. Peter Semone, chair of PATA, praised both individuals for their long-standing collaboration with the association. "Today, I am honoured to celebrate two of PATA's dearest friends, both of whom have dedicated many years to supporting our mission," he said. "We thank Khun Chiruit for his leadership at TCEB and look forward to what comes next for him. At the same time, we congratulate Khun Siripakorn on his new role and anticipate continued close cooperation with DASTA." Ben Montgomery, corporate ambassador of Centara Hotels & Resorts and chairperson of the PATA Thailand Chapter, highlighted the importance of continuity and collaboration within the tourism sector. "PATA is built on meaningful connections that span generations. As we honour both past contributions and future potential, we aim to bring together leaders across sectors to ensure continued progress for our industry." During his tenure at TCEB, Mr Chiruit was instrumental in positioning Thailand as a regional MICE hub. His leadership saw close partnerships with PATA on major events such as the PATA Travel Mart and Destination Marketing Forum, where TCEB provided strategic and technological support to elevate Thailand's role in regional tourism development. Mr Siripakorn, formerly deputy governor for international marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), was widely recognised for his commitment to sustainable tourism. His appointment to lead DASTA, a key PATA ally and leading voice for sustainability in Thailand, signals a strong continuation of joint efforts in responsible destination development. The evening was attended by several leading figures in Thailand's tourism sector, including TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool and Supawan Teerarat, president of the National Food Institute.
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Express Tribune
03-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
K-P enacts Finance Act 2025
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governor has signed the Finance Bill 2025, officially enacting it into law. With the governor's assent, the bill has now become effective from July 1, 2025, implementing a series of new tax measures, amendments, and revisions aimed at expanding the province's revenue base. The new finance law introduces several notable changes, including the expansion of the existing tax net, exemptions for low-income individuals and small properties, and adjustments in various sectors to encourage formalization and compliance. As per the bill, property tax has been waived for houses smaller than five marlas, while professional tax on individuals earning up to Rs36,000 per month has been abolished. Similarly, the stamp duty on the allotment and transfer of residential and commercial properties has been reduced from two per cent to one per cent, aiming to facilitate property transactions and reduce costs for buyers and sellers. The bill also mandates that all vehicles across the province must now be registered in order to obtain permits, a move expected to streamline transport regulation. In addition, property tax exemptions have been extended to residential and commercial properties up to 4.9 marlas, while electric vehicles have been granted a token tax exemption until June 30, 2028. The hotel bed tax has been reduced from 10 per cent to seven percent. For rickshaw owners, specific penalties have been introduced for violations, and the professional tax on doctors and tailors has been lowered. The provincial government has asserted that no new taxes have been levied in the former FATA and PATA regions. However, the bill proposes strict penalties for any fraud, forgery, or manipulation of driving licenses, including imprisonment for up to two months or a fine of up to Rs100,000. Under the revised property tax regime, five to 10 marla houses in divisional headquarters will be taxed up to Rs3,000, and up to Rs2,000 in district headquarters. Properties ranging from 10 to 15 marlas will be subject to Rs3,500 and Rs3,000 in divisional and district headquarters respectively.
The Star
01-07-2025
- The Star
Cross-border tourism suffers as Cambodia-Thai dispute drags
PHNOM PENH: Cross-border tourism between Cambodia and Thailand has dropped due to the ongoing diplomatic dispute between both countries. However, domestic travel near Preah Vihear province is thriving. The movement of people and goods across the border between the two countries has come to a grinding halt following the closure of border crossing points. Both governments have been engaged in an altercation following a May 28 skirmish between Cambodian and Thai troops. "Since the conflict, tourism exchanges with Thailand-both border crossings and air travel-have significantly declined, heavily impacting both sides. "However, on the Cambodian side, there has been a noticeable increase in travel activity, as many Cambodians visit disputed areas such as Preah Vihear Temple and other nearby sites. "This trend is also observed along other border regions, where local communities support frontline soldiers and their families,' Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Cambodia Chapter President Thourn Sinan told Bernama. Domestic tourism in areas such as Sra Em in Preah Vihear has increased, with Cambodians visiting to support troops and locals. Hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in these areas are currently operating at full capacity on weekends, he said. Thailand-Cambodia diplomatic relations became hostile following the May 28 brief exchange of gunfire between soldiers of both countries stationed near the Preah Vihear province in northern Cambodia. One Cambodian soldier died in the incident. The dispute, besides straining bilateral ties, also damaged trade activities in the border areas. Both countries share an 817-kilometre-long border. Sinan said Cambodia shares over 10 official checkpoints with Thailand along the border. However, only five of these are regularly used by international tourists. The remaining checkpoints mainly serve trade and local border movement. The busy Aranyaprathet-Poipet border checkpoint, an important route to the world-famous Angkor Wat, is also closed. Only patients seeking medical care and students continue to cross over to Thailand at present. There has been no interruption to air services. "Flights between both countries are still operating but Cambodian outbound travel to Thailand has plummeted by about 95 per cent due to safety concerns and growing anti-Cambodian sentiment in Thailand. "The overall stability of air travel is uncertain, as it depends on Thailand's internal political dynamics, which remain volatile,' he said. At the centre of the controversy are the territories where the ancient temples of Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Toch, and Ta Krabey are located, and the Emerald Triangle bordering Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. Cambodia has refused to hold bilateral talks to resolve the decades-long issue but instead referred the dispute to the International Court of Justice on June 15. - Bernama
