FATA in Political Party Election Manifestos 2013

FATA in Political Party Election Manifestos, 2013 1 of 10

FATA in Political Party Election Manifestos

2013 Pakistan Party Proposals for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas

Summary

For the purposes of the May 2013 elections, Pakistani political parties produced election

manifestos to promote their programs for the next five years. Eight out of the eleven1 political

parties surveyed had a section devoted to different aspects of the Federally Administered Tribal

Areas (FATA), including political reforms, security and development. Only the Muttahida

Quami Movement (MQM) and the National Party (NP) did not mention FATA in their election

manifestos. The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) manifesto was not available when

this document was compiled. Please find below short summaries followed by the full text of

sections of each manifesto dealing with the tribal areas.

1. Awami National Party (ANP)

The ANP devoted a separate section—of their four-part election manifesto—to FATA. After

outlining the current situation in FATA, ANP proposed a comprehensive set of political and

development initiatives. ANP promised to amend the constitution to give full rights to the

citizens of FATA, reform the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), and work towards a new

administrative solution for the region that would reflect the needs and wishes of citizens. The

party also stressed that, if elected, they would work for the proportional representation of FATA

citizens in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly and a meaningful representation in the

provincial government. ANP also proposed the dignified return and compensation for internally

displaced persons (IDPs) and a guarantee for their right to vote.

2. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)

JI strongly favored FATA reforms in their election manifesto. They propagated the abolishing of

the FCR, amendments to the Pakistani constitution to give FATA elected officials the right to

legislate for their region, and a new form of government for FATA. JI promised the cessation of

hostilities in FATA and the return and compensation of IDPs

3. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam F (JUI-F)

JUI-F made two references to FATA in their election manifesto. The party mentioned FATA as

part of their principal election promise: to achieve peace. The second JUI-F campaign promise

fell under the headline “New Provinces,” where the party stated that the final status of FATA

would be decided according to the wishes of the citizens of the area.

1 Awami National Party (ANP), Jamaat-e-Islam (JI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam F (JUI-F), Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM),

National Party (NP), Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML), Pakistan Muslim

League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Qaumi Watan Party (QWP).


4. Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML)

PML devoted a portion of its election manifesto to FATA, affirming their commitment to party-

based democratic processes in FATA and promising to abolish the FCR and place the region

under the national legal system. PML also pledged to revise the political agent system and

advocated for dialogue with militants. The party also committed to address illiteracy and the

health system.

5. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)

PML-N mentioned FATA reforms in the context of combatting militancy and terrorism, which

constituted one of the chapters in the party’s extensive election manifesto. The party argued for

extending political rights in FATA and proposed a series of services to improve the condition of

the citizens of the trial areas, including empowerment of women and a large-scale public

awareness campaign.

6. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)

PPP frequently mentioned FATA throughout its election manifesto, underlining FATA reforms

the party has enacted to date and their plans for the next mandate. The party promised ongoing

and gradual reforms to bring FATA into the political mainstream and the eventual creation of a

new political entity that would meet the needs of the populace. PPP also favored reserved seats

for FATA women.

7. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)

PTI proposed FATA reforms in its election manifesto in the context of eliminating terrorism and

achieving internal security in Pakistan. The party promised the elimination of the FCR and

reforms that would give the citizens of FATA a sense of ownership in the Pakistani state.

8. Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP)

The PkMAP election manifesto was not available at the time this document was compiled.

9. Qaumi Watan Party (QWP)

QWP devoted the twelfth section of its 12-part election manifesto to FATA reforms. The party

favored bringing FATA into the political mainstream by gradual reforms formulated in

consultation with the local population. Among other issues, QWP supported revision of the FCR,

quotas for FATA women in the National Assembly and the instigation of a local government

system in the tribal areas.


FATA in Political Party Election Manifestos

2013 Pakistan Party Proposals for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas

Full Text

For the purposes of the May 2013 elections, Pakistani political parties produced election

manifestos to promote their programs for the next five years. Eight out of the eleven2 political

parties surveyed had a section devoted to different aspects of the Federally Administered Tribal

Areas (FATA), including political reforms, security and development. Only the Muttahida

Quami Movement (MQM) and the National Party (NP) did not mention FATA in their election

manifestos. The Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) manifesto was not available when

this document was compiled. Please find below the full text of sections of each manifesto dealing

with the tribal areas.

1. Awami National Party (ANP)

The Awami National Party (ANP) devoted a complete section—out of their four-part election

manifesto—to FATA. After outlining the current situation in FATA, ANP proposed a

comprehensive set of political and development initiatives. ANP promised to amend the

constitution to give full rights to the citizens of FATA, reform the Frontier Crimes Regulation

(FCR), and work towards a new administrative solution for the region that would reflect the

needs and wishes of citizens. The party also stressed that, if elected, they would work for

proportional representation of FATA citizens in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly

and meaningful representation in the provincial government. ANP also proposed the dignified

return and compensation for IDPs and a guarantee of their right to vote.

Text from the ANP party manifesto:

III. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)

The Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan (FATA) have an area of 27,000

square kilometers and a population of approx. 10 million. This region is administered by

the President under Articles 246 and 247 of the Constitution. Pakistani laws are not

applicable, the jurisdiction of the superior courts has not been extended and the

inhabitants do not enjoy fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution.

The tribes remain the victim of poverty and the lowest social indices in the country. The

literacy rate is only 17 percent versus the national average of 45 percent. Female literacy

is an abject 3 percent versus 32 percent for the rest of the country. The region has

suffered the most serious dislocation due to conditions in Afghanistan ever since 1979.

2 Awami National Party (ANP), Jamaat-e-Islam (JI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam F (JUI-F), Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM),

National Party (NP), Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML), Pakistan Muslim

League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Qaumi Watan Party (QWP).


Extremist elements have sought refuge in parts of FATA and have, unfortunately,

succeeded in imposing themselves on the tribes. Development work has virtually ceased,

the administration has collapsed and the normal method of mediation through the jirga is

not being utilized properly.

FATA has been a victim of devastating armed conflict between extremist insurgents and

state security apparatus. The people of FATA, particularly women and children are

caught in the cross fire. Those who have been pushed out of their homes and living in

IDP camps are suffering from numerous challenges and denied the right to a normal life,

access to education and health.

ANP proposes the following actions to reverse the present dangerous trends.

1. Political changes

In order to finish the under-development and the violent nightmare of the tribesmen ANP

will continue its efforts along the following lines:

i. Will evolve consensus to urgently determine and settle the administrative status of

FATA in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of the people.

ii. ANP will struggle for due representation of FATA in the Pakhtunkhwa Provincial

Assembly with proportionate representation on reserved seats for women. If voted to

power ANP will ensure meaningful representation of FATA in the Provincial cabinet.

iii. ANP will amend the constitution to mainstream FATA, bring it under the

Parliament’s ambit and ensure equal rights and opportunities for the people.

iv. ANP will also amend the constitution to ensure that the Pakhtunkhwa Governor can

be a registered voter of FATA and/or Pakhtunkhwa.

v. As an immediate measure the FCR will be amended to provide human right protection

as laid down in the Constitution. Other provisions of the FCR will also be amended to

permit oversight by a special bench of the Peshawar High Court.

vi. Fully empowered local bodies will be instituted with adequate representation of

women, for a meaningful participation of the people of FATA in all their affairs.

vii. ANP will work for the dignified return of FATA IDPs to their homes and

rehabilitation of their lives and livelihoods.

viii. ANP will evolve a comprehensive compensation package for families who have had

loved ones killed and whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed in armed

conflicts and terrorism.

ix. ANP will ensure implementation of the right to vote for the tribal population

particularly women and families who have been displaced and are living in camps.


x. Population faced with severe security risks due to armed conflicts and terrorist threats

will be facilitated to use their right to vote in adjacent settled areas and/or in camps.

2. Developmental reforms

ANP proposes the following measures for immediate implementation to bring a peaceful

and a positive change in FATA.

i. ANP will ensure that state implements its writ in FATA and purge it from all sorts of

terror networks.

ii. Since there are no reliable statistics a detailed survey and investigation of the

development potential of the area is essential.

iii. ANP endorses the principles of development outlined in the Sustainable Development

Plan for FATA but proposes more active implementation through empowerment of local

communities.

iv. Generally speaking ANP will follow the same development strategy for FATA as for

the Pakhtunkhwa Province, though FATA will be accorded special

2. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) strongly favored FATA reforms in their election manifesto. They proposed

abolishing the FCR, amending the Constitution of Pakistan to give FATA elected National

Assembly representatives the right to legislate for the tribal areas, and installing a new form of

government for FATA. JI promised the cessation of hostilities in FATA and the return and

compensation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from FATA.

Translation from the JI original Urdu manifesto:

FATA will be given due attention as a distinct area:

Military operation will be stopped and the army will be pulled out from FATA, while

dialog will be established to ensure the long lasting peace and tranquility. The IDPs

will soon return to their respective hometowns and will be compensated for their

losses during the war on terror.

Steps will be taken for improving education, health and communication in FATA.

FATA has been deprived of its due constitutional and legal rights, since the

establishment of Pakistan, and this will be changed by introducing massive

constitutional, legal, educational and economic reforms.

With an amendment in the Article 247 of the constitution, the jurisdiction of courts

and parliament will be extended to FATA.

Legislation powers will be given to the parliament and elected members of the tribes

instead of the President of Pakistan.


FCR will be abolished altogether and replaced with a system that will be determined

by the elected tribal members.

According to the new law, the aforementioned Assembly will devise the rights and

responsibilities of the institutions.

FATA will no more be kept apart from the constitutional parameters and necessary

amendments will be made in the article 246 and 247 in order to bring the tribes at par

with the rest of the constitution, for that matter the following principles will be

adopted.

FATA and PATA, adjacent to KP, according to article 246 (c), will be made either

part of KP or will be given separate provincial status by referendum according to the

wishes of the people.

Those areas of KP, which are dealt by article 246 (a) (i)(ii)(iii)(iv) 246(b), will be

merged in KP.

All the black laws including the FCR will be abolished altogether and the extension of

the Constitution of Pakistan will be assured with the basic constitutional rights for all.

3. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam F (JUI-F)

JUI-F made two references to FATA in their election manifesto. The party mentioned FATA as

part of their principal election promise to achieve peace and also promised that the final status of

FATA would be decided according to the wishes of the tribal citizens (see manifesto section

entitled “New Provinces”).

Text from the JUI-F party manifesto:

(1) PEACE will be our top priority

To get to this goal our road map will incorporate reconciliation strategy and agreements.

Particularly the national Jirga backed by the APC [All Parties Conference] will be the

driving force to bring about positive changes for the nation in FATA and its experiences

will be replicated in Balochistan and over the country to ensure peace.

(12) New Provinces

A) The status of FATA will be decided according to the wishes of the local residents.

B) New provinces will only be formed after a consensus of all stakeholders and will not

be used for political point-scoring.

C) Legal and constitutional rights of the provinces will be protected.

4. Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP)

The PkMAP election manifesto was not available at the time this document was compiled.


5. Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML)

PML-Q devoted a portion of its election manifesto to FATA. In the document, the party affirmed

their commitment to party-based democratic processes in FATA. They also promised to abolish

the FCR and bring the region under the national mainstream Pakistan legal system. PML would

revise the political agent system in FATA. The party also advocated for dialogue with militants

and seeks to address illiteracy and the health system in the tribal areas.

Text from the PML party manifesto, from the section on FATA:

FATA of Pakistan is the focus of tension in the world today. These areas have always

played a pivotal role in the history of the region. The area is a treasure of rugged

landscape, archeology and cultural legacy. Society is distinguished for its hospitality,

bravery, culture and tradition.

PML believes FATA needs a healing touch so that through democracy and

development, the area can be secured against terrorism and extremism. PML

believes that political parties can be a major factor of unity, peace and stability in

FATA and will initiate a party-based democratic political process in FATA.

FATA shall be brought into mainstream national politics through holding party-

based elections. Laws such as the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR) shall be

abolished and replaced by national laws and the judicial system.

PML shall take immediate steps in consultation and support of the elders of the

respective areas in FATA, to bring educational reforms for improving the existing

literacy rate of 17 percent to at least 25 percent.

Health reforms shall be priority in FATA areas.

A dialog will be initiated with the local militant groups and Taliban to bring peace

in the area and prevent foreign aggression and intervention.

PML will revise the current Political Agent system and bring a mechanism to

increase maximum participation of responsible local elders in development

projects and initiative of the FATA area.


6. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)

PML-N mentioned FATA reforms in the context of combatting militancy and terrorism, which

constituted one of the chapters in the party’s extensive election manifesto. The party argued for

extending political rights to FATA and proposed a series of services to improve living conditions

for citizens in the tribal areas, including empowerment of women and a large-scale public

awareness campaign to combat extremism.

Text from the PML-N party manifesto:

13. Militancy and Terrorism

[…] Nevertheless, neither militancy nor terrorism can be countered by mere use of force.

This is a problem that has penetrated deep into the vitals of society and therefore needs a well

thought out, comprehensive and sustainable plan of action that should include economic,

social, administrative and political initiatives and measures to root out this menace. Some of

the steps envisaged by PML (N) are:

i) Integration of the Federally and Provincially Administered Tribal Areas into the

country’s political mainstream, by extending to its people the political rights enjoyed by

the citizens of Pakistan.

ii) Establishment of schools and technical centers to create a pool of skilled manpower,

not only for local enterprises, but for manpower export to friendly countries.

iii) Extending free health benefits to the disadvantaged classes, by providing mobile

health units in these areas.

iv) A crash program to establish small and medium size industrial enterprises in the

Tribal Areas that could provide gainful employment to the youth, making them stake-

holders in peace and security of these areas.

v) Extending special facilities for technical education to the female population of the

area, so as to empower them economically and socially.

vi) Undertaking massive public education campaigns to create an alternate narrative to

sustain efforts against terrorism and bring home the message that Islam is a religion of

peace and that there is no moral or religious sanction for violence or extremism.

vii) Undertaking education reforms that will aim at eliminating different systems of

education in the country, while ensuring that the Madrassahs too, follow the same syllabi

as the government schools.


7. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)

PPP frequently mentioned FATA in its election manifesto, underlining FATA reforms the party

has enacted to date, as well as plans for the next mandate. The party promised ongoing and

gradual reforms to bring FATA into the political mainstream and the eventual creation of a new

political entity that would meet the needs of the populace. PPP also favored reserved seats for

FATA women.

Text from the PPP party manifesto:

FATA reforms: A work in progress

During its current tenure the Party, in consultation with all stakeholders and political

parties, introduced reforms to the outdated Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) 1901. We

also extended the Political Parties Order 2002 to the tribal areas, encouraging the

residents of FATA to organize themselves politically. Moving beyond the introduction of

political parties in FATA, we will do our best to gradually assimilate the area and its

citizens into the mainstream of the country, going forward in the future with the creation

of a new provincial entity, based on the needs of the people.

We will work to extend to FATA laws applicable in the rest of the country, starting with

legislation to protect natural resources, wildlife and the environment. The Party feels

strongly that the constitutional clause defining FATA separately from the rest of the

country’s provinces should be jettisoned to remove FATA’s special status. We will also

move to enhance two seats reserved for women candidates from FATA.

8. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)

PTI proposed FATA reforms in the election manifesto in the context of eliminating terrorism and

achieving internal security in Pakistan. The party promised elimination of the FCR and the

addition of reforms that would give the citizens of FATA a sense of ownership in the Pakistani

state.

Text from the PTI party manifesto:

Internal Security: Disengage, Isolate, Eliminate Terrorism

FATA will be brought into the mainstream of Pakistan and the colonial remnant, the

FCR, will be removed and the people of FATA will be given a sense of ownership in

Pakistan. PTI will implement a “no drone” policy.


9. Qaumi Watan Party (QWP)

QWP devoted the twelfth section of its 12-part election manifesto to FATA reforms. The party

favored bringing FATA into the political mainstream by gradual reforms that are formulated in

consultation with the local population. Among other issues, QWP supported revision of the FCR,

quotas for FATA women in the National Assembly and the instigation of a local government

system.

Text from the QWP party manifesto:

12. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas

The isolation, extremely poor socio-economic indicators, and the impacts of decades of

unrest in Afghanistan coupled with the political disempowerment of the FATA

population have made the region a security threat. The “Party” will pursue policies that

develop a more rational strategic vision for the FATA. More specifically the “Party”

seeks to bring FATA in the national mainstream by adopting the following measures:

1. Any reform in FATA should be carefully formulated and gradually introduced in

consultation with the local population

2. Local government system should be introduced in FATA to ensure peoples’

participation in developmental activities

3. Separation of executive and judicial powers in FATA

4. The Constitutional rights of the people of FATA should be at par with rest of

Pakistani citizens and FCR should be reviewed in the light of national and

international standards of administration of justice

5. Reducing non-developmental expenditure of FATA Secretariat

6. FATA should get special development packages to take affirmative action in bringing

its poor developmental indices at par with the national figures

7. Special quota of seats should be allotted for FATA women in the national

legislatures.

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FATA in Political Party Election Manifestos 2013