The grievances of Pashtuns, the progress of KPK, support base of PTM, role of PTI and PPP, and proposed next steps are discussed in this article and offer additional insight to this issue.

During the WoT, Pashtuns have suffered the most. In Pakistan, majority of dead and injured (incl civil and military) in terrorist attacks are Pashtuns. The majority of IDPs in Pakistan are also Pashtuns and the most impacted by economic woes are also Pashtuns. Hundreds of thousands of Pashtun children and youth have missed the opportunity to go to school and to enjoy a normal childhood.

Despite the hardships, Pashtuns have continued to believe in Pakistan and have actively participated in defence, economy, politics, sports and overall growth of Pakistan. An estimated 25% of foreign remittances received by Pakistan are from the Pashtuns that are working in different parts of the world.

Grievances of the Pashtuns

Despite many sacrifices the Pashtuns have faced humiliation at check points, discrimination, enforced disappearances, landmines (FATA) and curfews (FATA). The severity of these grievances varies based on geography of Pakistan; most people in KPK have witnessed improvements in the last four and a half years but most people in FATA have experienced little improvement in their day-to-day lives.

Progress in the KPK (total population 30 million or 15% of Pakistan)

After the 2013 elections, a PTI led govt. comes into effect in the KPK. The PTI led govt has performed well in all aspects of governance. The police in KPK, healthcare, education, and provincial economy have not only improved but have received recognition from local and international organization. The Billion Tree Tsunami project has been recognized by the Bonn Challenge and the improvement in education has been recognized by Alif Ailaan. The Pashtuns in KPK are on path to recover and although more has to be done but a hope of better future is much stronger today.

Negligence towards FATA (total population 5 million or 3% of Pakistan)

Unfortunately, Pashtuns in FATA have not seen many improvements in their lives because of FCR and lack of support from the Federal govt. The grievances are genuine and needs to be addressed. Pakistan armed forces have delivered some projects but FATA needs a democratically elected local body system and political system that allows real representation at provincial and federal levels.

Intent to resolve grievances

There is firm commitment and intent to resolve the grievances of people of FATA from all stakeholders.

Here are some steps taken by stakeholders:

• PTI’s Chairman Imran Khan demanded the abolition of FCR and merger of FATA with KPK as early as 2015.
• Subsequently, the KPK assembly, led by PTI also adopted a resolution with majority vote to merge FATA in KPK. However, the delay by the PML-N led Federal govt. and hindrance by JUI-F has caused delays till today.
• Pakistan army has also urged the eradication of FCR and merger of FATA with KPK.
• The FATA Political Alliance (FPA) has fully supported the abolition of FCR and merger of FATA with KPK.

The above points have clearly demonstrated that the intent of all major stakeholders is to address the grievances of FATA. The reports from FATA have been showing that people in FATA are hopeful about their future as they have witnessed a significant drop in terrorism; life also started to move towards normalcy.