Repealing FCR: A Draconian law that haunted FATA people for a century

by Tauqeer Abbas
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SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)-

FATA once a land of serene and peace has been the most neglected piece of Pakistan.The people of FATA have been living under a draconian law, the FCR ( The frontier crime Regulations) since last century.  FCR though much maligned and criticized yet governments failed to repeal this law but previous government of PPP took important steps towards the end of this law and incumbent government is also working on repealing this draconian law however this transformation from FCR to Pakistan Penal code would almost take a decade. Though it is a long period yet there is a some light at the end of the tunnel. It is something pleasant for the inhabitants of the region that finally they would get rid of this black law. Apart repealing this law Fata would be given choice to either join KPK or be a part of Federation. It has also been suggested that Fata can be represented in the K-P Assembly in the interim time. At present, the millions of residents of Fata do not have the right to appeal detention, the right to legal representation or the right to present evidence in court. Moreover, under the collective responsibility clause of the FCR, anyone can be charged with the crimes of another person from his or her tribe. These laws are far removed from any understanding of basic human rights.

It is indeed watershed movement for the people of FATA, who have been living under the shadows of this draconian law. Mainstreaming Fata would also help state to expand it to the lawless tribal areas also which would ultimately help to tackle terrorism.

pakistan.shafaqna.com