AIPP

AIP –a way forward for trust building in merged districts

By Kashmala Yousafzai

On the completion of three years of erstwhile FATA’s integration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government has launched Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP) to review the progress, benefits and effects of not only the merger but also the post-merger development in different tribal areas.

The programme is also aimed at seeking feedback, suggestions from stakeholders in various sectors of government initiatives including development plans and many development projects which are in the pipeline since integration. In this regard, events were organised in the merged districts including North South Waziristan, Orakzai, Kurram districts wherein a large number of people from all walks of life including tribal elders, government officials, intellectuals, journalists and students participated.

This is the first time that the government has provided an open environment where Pakistanis from merged districts aired their feedback and concerns about the post-merger developments. The participants also talked about different issues the population of merged districts is facing in the wake of merger besides positive developments taking place after the merger.

The coordination programmed continued into second phase AIP was conducted at tehsil level to ensure participation locals for further action in the light of consultation and suggestions of the participants. One of the objectives of this consultation process under the auspices of AIP is to take the public into confidence during policymaking and development projects and to move forward in the light of their views, which is a right step in right direction at a right time.

One of the significant feature of the accelerated implementation consultation programmes was the presence of civil administration officials besides inclusion of security officials, so that in addition to building trust and coordination, the reconstruction and development process could be made more efficient and expeditious and the suggestions of the locals could be put into practice.

The local stakeholders were of the view that this was a timely and useful practice and effort on the part of the government and a special feature of this process is that the authorities have listened to their grievances. The locals attending these AIP meetings are of the view that positive results of FATA merger are beginning to emerge and the people not only acknowledged and appreciated the state initiatives and extraordinary interest but also have the opportunity to present their suggestions.

Initiatives like Accelerated Implementation Programme are a way forward to develop trust building between the government and local stallholders in the merged districts. Such progammes need to be continued.

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Remembering Veteran Actor Rashid Naz

Pakistani legendary veteran actor Rashid Naz passed away this morning leaving a big vacuum in the entertainment industry of the country.

Rashid Naz died at the age of 73 , throughout his career has acted in multi-lingual television plays beside films. Born in born in 1948 in Peshawar, Naz was one of the finest actors this land of flowers has given to the world of entertainment.

He started  career from a Pashto drama in 1971, touching heights of fame  in 1973 through his  best performance in the drama Aik Tha Gaoun. Apart from Pashto dramas, Naz also worked in Hindko and Urdu projects for television. The dramas he has acted in include Khuda Zameen Se Gaya NahinInkaarGhulam GardishDoosra Asmaan and many more.

His first popular play was “Namos”. He also acted in Pakistan’s first private television drama “Dasht”. In 1988, he acted in his first Pashto film “Zama Jang”

His first Urdu film was Syed Noor’s “Dakit” and also appeared in Shoaib Mansoor’s film “Khuda K liye”. Rashid Naz’s famous films include Karachi to Lahore, Varna, for God’s sake and many others. Remarkable acting skills of Late Rashid Naz have left a mark on audience across Pakistan which include memorable dramas such as

  • Sabith Ali
  • Khwab Saraye
  • Teri Rah Mein Rul Gaye
  • Sabith Ali
  • Namoos
  • Dasht
  • Dosra Asman
  • Ghulam Gardish
  • Manzil
  • Pinjra
  • Phir Kab Milo Gay
  • Angoori
  • Anokhi
  • Khushi Ek Roag
  • Khuda Zameen Se Gaya Nahi Hai
  • “Saiban Sheshay ka”
  • Pathar
  • Aann
  • Apnay Huay Paraye
  • Angels
  • Inkaar
  • Tawan (Pashto)
  • Hum Pe Jo Guzarti Hay

The sad demise of Rashid Naz was announced by his son Hassan Noman that his father was ill for a long time and was undergoing treatment in a hospital in the federal capital Islamabad.

Notable government officials, Awami National Party and many other personalities expressed their heartfelt condolences over sad demise of Rashid Naz.

Special Assistant Information Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif expresses deep sorrow and grief over the death of famous actor Rashid Naz. In his message, Saif said Rashid Naz made Khyber Pakhtunkhwa famous through his acting at the national and international level.

Special Assistant National Party (ANP) provincial president Aimal Wali Khan, general secretary Sardar Hussain Babak and culture secretary Khadim Hussain have expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned Pashto, Hindko and Urdu language artist and actor Rashid Naz. In their messages, they said Rashid made Pakhtunkhwa famous nationally and internationally. He was a distinguished artist and actor. His death is an irreparable loss to his family as well as to the country.

Sehaaaat

کے پی صحت سہولت پروگرام 2021 کا نمایاں قدم

تحریر :کشمالہ یوسفزئی

سن 2021  اختتام پزیر ہوا چاہتا ہے۔ ایک ایسا سال جس میں ایک طرف کورونا جیسی وباء نے جہاں دنیا کی معیشت کو نقصان پہنچایا، ہزاروں جانیں ضائیع ہوئیں وہیں پاکستان بالخصوص خیبر پختونخواہ کو بھی اپنی لپیٹ میں لیا۔

صوبے میں کئی دہائیوں تک صحت کی سہولیات ایک بڑا مسئلہ رہی ہیں اور اس قسم کی صحت کی ایمرجنسی صورتحال میں مزید بوجھ برداشت کرنے کے قابل انفراسٹرکچر ہونا لازمی ہے۔ ماضی میں حکومتوں نے اپنی سی کوشش کی کہ صحت و علاج معالجے کی سہولیات کو بہتر کیا جائے تاہم موجودہ حکومت کا صحت کارڈ منصوبہ ایک ایسا قدم ہے جس کو صوبے کے عوام نے کافی سراہا۔

صحت کارڈ پلس خیبرپختونخوا کے تمام شہریوں کے لیے ایک مائیکرو ہیلتھ انشورنس پروگرام ہے۔ یہ خیبرپختونخوا حکومت کے اہم پروگراموں میں سے ایک ہے۔ اس پروگرام کے تحت، کے پی کے 7.2 ملین سے زائد خاندانوں کو مریضوں کی صحت کی دیکھ بھال کی مفت خدمات مل رہی ہیں۔ فائدہ اٹھانے والے خاندانوں کا ڈیٹا نادرا سے حاصل کیا جاتا ہے۔ فائدہ اٹھانے والوں کو خدمات مکمل طور پر مفت دی جاتی ہیں ۔زیادہ سے زیادہ حد تک۔ 10 ملین فی خاندان فی سال۔ پروگرام کی سالانہ لاگت تقریباً 18 ارب ہے۔

یہ سہولیات صوبے بھر میں معاہدہ کے تحت سرکاری اور نجی ہسپتالوں کے پینل کے ذریعے فراہم کی جاتی ہیں۔ تمام ثانوی نگہداشت صحت کی دیکھ بھال کی بیماریاں اور ثانوی نگہداشت کی بیماریاں جیسے حادثے اور ایمرجنسی، ذیابیطس، گردے کی بیماریاں بشمول ڈائیلاسز اور کڈنی ٹرانسپلانٹ، ہیپاٹائٹس بی اور سی، تمام قسم کے کینسر اور دل کےامراض اس پروگرام کے تحت شامل ہیں۔

خیبر پختونخواہ میں 21-2020 کے دوران 70 لاکھ سے زائد صحت کارڈ ہولڈرز کا مفت علاج کیا گیا ہے۔

صحت کارڈ پلس کورونا وائرس اور ڈینگی کے علاج، ڈائیلاسز، کیموتھراپی، انجیو پلاسٹی، جگر اور بون میرو .رانسپلانٹس کو کور کرتا ہے. مختلف پیکیجز مثلا”

1 ترجیحی پیکیج: زیادہ لاگت والے اہم پروک کا احاطہ کرتا ہے، یعنی کینسر، حادثات، وینٹی لیٹرز، جلنے، ڈائیلاسز

 سیکنڈری پیکیج: معمول کی سرجری، سی سیکشن

مریضوں کی اکثریت نجی ہسپتالوں کو ترجیح دیتی ہے اور یہ ہیلتھ کارڈ میں شامل ہیں۔صحت کارڈ سے سرجنوں کو بھی فائدہ ہوتا ہے۔  مثال کے طور پرسرکاری یا پرائیویٹ ہسپتالوں میں لیپروسکوپک سرجری کے لیئے 3000 سے 10,000 بالترتیب سرجن کو بطور بونس دئیے جاتے ہیں۔

صحت کارڈ سے یہ تمام سہولیات مفت فراہم کرنے کے لیئے بنیادی طور پر ٹیکس دہندگان کے پیسے سے استفادہ کیا جاتا ہے یعنی عوام کا پیسہ عوام پر لگایا جارہاہے۔ سرکاری اعداد و شمار کے مطابق اب تک  صحت کارڈ کے تحت 7,590,995 خاندانوں کا اندراج ہو چکا ہے۔ اب تک 1,353,691 افراد نے ہسپتالوں کا وزٹ کیا ہے اور 573,956 افراد صوبے کے 679 ہسپتالوں میں علاج کے لیئے داخل کیئے گئے ہیں۔

صحت کارڈ کے پروگرام میں کچھ بے ضابطگیوں کی بھی اطلاعات ہیں۔ بہت سے پرائیویٹ ہسپتال ناقص ہیں اور کم معیاری خدمات فراہم کرتے ہیں، پھر بھی وہ صحت کارڈ کے پینل پر ہیں اور حکومتی فنڈز ادا کررہی ہے۔

ضرورت اس امر کی ہے کہ اس اچھے قدم کی جتنی تشہیر کی جائے کم ہے مگر اس کے ساتھ ساتھ اس کے شفافیت کا خیال رکھنا بھی اتنا ہی اہم ہے۔ امید ہے کہ نئے سال میں صوبے کا صحت کا نظام مزید بہتر ہوگا۔

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Mohsin bags another int’l shooting medal for Pakistan

By Kashmala Yousafzai

Pakistani shooter Mohsin Nawaz have won a bronze medal in South Africa Open Championship 2021. Mohsin won this 900m 2nd long range international medal for Pakistan after National Rifle Association championship 2018.

Mohsin Nawaz, of Pakistan is not only a National asset of the country but his efforts and achievements are clearly defined by his wins. His determination and challenging practices has hit an accuracy of projectiles making him the National Champion for 25 times.

His skills and expertise are clearly evident as he won a gold medal in the National Rifle Association (NRA) US Nationals in long range shooting in 2018.

Recently in 2021, he bagged a bronze in the South Africa F class Open Championship with 600 participants from all over the world which clearly is a proud moment for the nation. Mohsin Nawaz is the first Pakistani to bag medals in the international competitions held in South Africa and the USA and now he is preparing for the world championship being held in 2023.

APSSS

Lesser known facts about APS tragedy

The deadly attack on Army Public School Peshawar is still considered one of the most gruesome terror attacks in Pakistan, rightly so because over 120 innocent Pakistanis mostly children lost their lives to this attack.
Few days back the honourable Supreme Court has summoned Prime Minister Imran Khan in Army Public School Peshawar attack case.
The country’s Prime Minister while responding to the court’s queries reiterated that the government is willing to take further action if the court orders and that there is no sacred cow in the country.
The Prime Minister also faced some harsh remarks from the judiciary, whereas the media tried to make it a hot topic, ignoring various causes, aspects, effects of the War on Terror and the steps taken by the state in APS case.
For example, a high-level commission was set up to investigate the tragedy and a comprehensive 225-page report published recently in this regard. The report includes statements from several other officers, including the former corps commander of Peshawar and key officials of the three intelligence agencies. The report also mentioned the steps being taken at the state level to impart justice to the victims and their mental rehabilitation.
The report also provides details on the issue of security lapses and mentions institutional actions taken against the top officials who faced accountability and action after the incident. It is pertinent to mention that strict action taken at institutional level against officials for negligence including dismissal of some security personnel and the imprisonment of several others. Five soldiers, for example, were sentenced to 28-year in prison.
In the same way, five officers, including a major dismissed while on the other hand, four senior military officers including ten more officers also faced various punishments. The report makes it very clear that some security officials in the area, including the school administration, did not take the necessary security measures despite the threat of attacks. However, later under the National Action Plan, a plan formulated for all educational institutions, a number of operations carried out in which hundreds of other attackers including the mastermind of the APS tragedy eliminated.
It merits a mention here that more than 20 children of military officials including three female teachers were also among the martyred during the APS tragedy. In such a scenario, taking political advantage of this national tragedy is unfortunate.
In February 2015 about 12 terrorist involved in APS attack were arrested. Of these six each arrested from Pakistan and Afghanistan. These terrorists include Kifayatullah alias Kaif, Mujeebur Rehman alias Ali, Ateequr Rehman alias Usman, Molvi Abdul Salam alias hazrat Ali, Qari Sabeel alias Yahya Afridi arrested from Pakistan and five of them were hanged whereas one death penalty case is pending in the court.
The state had also taken exemplary measures for the mental and economic rehabilitation and assistance of the families affected by the APS tragedy an implemented three different packages for the heirs of the martyrs. As far as the impression that the victims have not received justice is concerned, there are more than one opinions and parents are still eager to see strict punishment to remaining facilitators of the attack. However, it is not fair to say that the state did not fulfill its responsibilities or punish those responsible

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Lok Mela: KP Pavilion attracts foreign, local visitors

By Kashmala Yousafzai

Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Pavilion at the Lok Mela Islamabad is able to attract a large number of local as well as foreign enthusiasts of arts and handicrafts. A seven-day culture festival best known as Lok Mela was kicked off on 1st November which will continue till 7 November. All the provinces of the country have install their stalls composed of different traditional handicrafts, arts and other cultural items. Likewise, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority launches cultural handicrafts for tourists and families at KP Pavilion at the Lol Mela.

The Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Pavilion set up at the Lok Mela has 30 different stalls displaying the heritage, culture and musical diversity of the province’s different parts. The stalls based on provincial culture include straw-work, stoneware, wooden art, Peshawari slippers, crockery, shawls, khadi, wax items on clothes, wax painting, earthenware, glass carving, and various other handicrafts, artificial traditional jewelry, dry fruit etc.

Traditional dance & Music specially Rabab are the main attraction for foreign as well as local visitors. Many foreigners thronged the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa pavilion with keen interest in the local cultural items specially cultural costumes besides getting entertained listening to traditional music of KP. Many of the foreign visitors seen taking pictures with the local KP artisans at the pavilion besides displaying KP attire by wearing these.

Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Tourist Information desk has also been set up for the visitors. In order to provide information about the tourism and tourist destinations of the province to the tourists visiting the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Pavilion, an SMD screen been installed and documentaries on the tourist destinations of the province are being screened. Foreign tourists said that they were served famous green tea of the province and have been welcomed with respect at the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa pavilion.

Some of the foreign visitors said they have practically witnessed the hospitality of the province, which they used to hear about KP. For the foreign tourists, families, citizens and youth coming to the festival, traditional music of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa Rabab and FC Mehsud dance performances are also being presented. The closing ceremony of the folk festival will be held on November 7.

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From Guns to Roses the story of Erstwhile FATA (Part-II)

From Guns to Roses the story of Erstwhile FATA (II)

By Kashmala Yousafzai

911 had changed the world after the US and allied attacked Afghanistan, the number of Afghan refugees increased as well as extremism in these areas. Incidents of terrorism also increased. US drone strikes have increased hatred against the United States. Since 1977, however, governments have begun planning for reforms in the FATA region, and some steps were taken slowly but with 9/11 and allied troops, the presence of large numbers of NATO forces, and Pakistan’s becoming a non-NATO ally, the administrative structure of the region began to change.
In 1976, a committee headed by Naseerullah Khan Babar was formed for FATA reforms. Its members included important personalities like Hafeez Pirzada, Rafi Raza and Dr. Mubashir Hassan. The main purpose of this committee was to make these areas part of the NWFP. In 1996 right to vote for adults enacted and for the first time, the people of the tribal areas exercised their right to vote in the 1997 elections.
The first decade of the 21st century can be described as the decade of change in the tribal areas. In April 2005, a committee headed by Justice (retd) Mian Muhammad Ajmal was formed to reform the Frontier Crimes Regulation. Lawyers, in consultation with the country’s legal experts, recommended a number of reforms to the FCR, but these could not be implemented. In 2006, a task force headed by Sahibzada Imtiaz Ahmed again prepared a report on FATA’s administrative affairs which was presented in a meeting chaired by President General Pervez Musharraf. It includes the establishment of a FATA Secretariat, the FATA Development Authority, the traditions of the tribal areas, the preservation of customs and traditions, the removal of ambiguity in the rules and regulations of the federal, provincial, administered tribal areas, the tribal rituals for maintaining law and order. In addition, most importantly, a high-powered commission was to be set up to plan for the future of the tribal areas, with state-of-the-art facilities, and to maintain their traditions.
In 2008, Governor Owais Ahmad Ghani assigned a Cabinet Reform Committee to implement the FCR Reform Report. The committee adopted far-reaching recommendations, including replacing the Frontier Crimes Regulation with the FATA Regulation 2008. The appointment of a District and Sessions Judge to hear appeals against the decision of political agents was a very important suggestion. A FATA tribunal headed by a retired High Court judge. These recommendations were welcomed.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was unanimously approved as the name of the North-West Frontier Province during (2008-2013), thus the long-standing demand of the people of the region that the province should have a regular name was fulfilled. At the same time, efforts were made for the regular integration of FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A five-member FATA Reforms Commission was set up in May 2014. The commission submitted its report to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in April 2015. In 2016, the recommendations on FATA issues reached a turning point.
FATA Reforms Committee headed by Sartaj Aziz recommended FATA to be mainstream. After 9 months of consultations and discussions, it was decided that the areas of FATA would be integrated into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. People here will vote for provincial assembly seats. Areas of FATA will come under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the High Court.
A high-powered committee was set up in these areas for social, political and economic planning for the next ten years. On May 24, 2018, the National Assembly approved the integration of FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through a constitutional amendment. The PML-N, Pakistan People’s Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Jamaat-e-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement voted in favour of the amendment. While Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal Group) and Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party walked out. The Senate also approved it.
May 24, 2018 on the demand of the tribal people FATA bevcamea regular part of the state of Pakistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This journey of more than a century witnessed the people of FATA voting enthusiastically for the Provincial Assembly in July 2019. The people of Pakistan welcomed the brave, zealous brothers of erstwhile FATA as mainstream participants. That bright morning rises on August 28, 2019, when 19 elected representatives from the formerly merged districts took oath under the Constitution of Pakistan in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
KP Assembly Speaker Mushtaq Ghani warmly congratulated the newly elected members and said that today we are embarking on a new journey and the 5 million people of the merged districts have high expectations from their representatives. This is a historic day for the KP Assembly and for all the political parties and personalities who have struggled for years to bring the tribal areas into the mainstream.

The integration of erstwhile FATA districts into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa brought the vast area into mainstream. The promises made by the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, to tribal dignitaries on April 17, 1948 at Government House Peshawar was fulfilled.
The people of FATA have suffered a lot from foreign extremists to attacks from Afghanistan to drone attacks. Their homes were destroyed, crops were destroyed, businesses were affected, so they now deserve a stable and bright future. The Government of KP, the Government of Pakistan, the Industrial and Commercial Institutions of Pakistan are ready to practically harness social, political, industrial, economic and educational development of the people living in these districts.
Constant efforts will be required to make these compatriots aware of the new rules and regulations.
The Planning and Development Department of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has prepared 10-year development programme (2020-2030). The various stages and plans of this programme include 10-Year Strategy and Implementation, Historically Ignored Development Issues, Development Priorities in Integrated Areas, Technical, Preparation of Consultative Projects, Fulfillment of Ambitions, and Accountability Institutions, Governance and Protection of Rights, Formation of Municipal Institutions And local government, training of officers for services, human resource welfare, education, public health, drinking water and sanitation, Social welfare and protection of social values, women’s rights, youth, sports and culture, expansion of economic infrastructure, highways, bridges, roads, rural electricity supply, distribution, irrigation, agriculture, livestock, dairy farming, fisheries , Industries and Companies, Skills Training, Employment Opportunities, Sustainable Resource Management, Forests, Environment and Wildlife, Minerals, Mines, Oil and Gas.

Development by Pakistan Army in FATA: Harbinger of FATA-Merger
The Challenge of introducing far-reaching reforms was multi-pronged and complex and this was witnessed during the initial phase of the build-up phase kick-started by the Pakistan Army after clearance of troubled areas in FATA. The presence of the Pakistan Army is crucial as local administrative units are taking over the responsibility of governance. The current role of the Pakistan Army is to hold and build. Under this role, Pakistan Army, over the last couple of years of relative calm, has completed many socio-economic projects including infrastructure building in this war-torn region.
These development projects include hospitals, schools, colleges, market places, and roads. Many of these have been transferred to the local civilian authorities. But before this role, the Pakistan army was fought and won a ruthless bloody war within its border. The military aspect of this complex hybrid war against Pakistan has been won but there are other subtle axes where the enemy is still trying to undermine the achievements in FATA.
Pakistan Army has carried out massive development work during the years of war in this region as well. This development work was unique and the most valuable because it was this work that makes local tribes see the value of development and infrastructure first hand. Below is a brief look at the development work carried out by Pakistan Army which ushered in FATA reforms eventually.

Education
 Cadet College, Wana, South Waziristan
 Cadet College, Razmak, North Waziristan
 Cadet College Momad Gat, Mohmand
 Education Complex Ghalijo, Orakzai
 FC Public School for Girls Wana, South Waziristan
 Fatima Jinnah Girls Hostel, Khar, Bajur
 Khar Public School and College, Khar, Bajur
 FC Public School, Wana, South Waziristan
 Mohmand Model School, Mohmand
 Women Vocational Training Centre, Wana, South Waziristan
 Women Vocational Training Centre, Khar, Bajur
 Golden Arrow Pakistan Sweet Home, Mir Ali, North Waziristan

Health & Recreation
 Khar Hospital, Bajur
 Sheikha Fatima Binte Mubarak Hospital, Wana, South Waziristan
 Limb Centre, South Waziristan
 Younas Khan Sports Complex, South Waziristan
 Football Stadium, North Waziristan

Road, Energy & Transportation
 Nahqi Tunnel, Mohmand KP
 Dogar- Samma Road, Kurram KP
 Gomal Zam Dam , South Waziristan


Business
 Pakistan Market, South Waziristan
 Town Bazar, Razmak
 Apple Farms, South Waziristan
 Agri Park Wana, South Waziristan
 Model Marker Miranshah, North Waziristan
 Pine Nut Process plant, South Waziristan
 Muhammed Khel Copper Mining Project, North Waziristan
 Marble Industry, Mamat Gat, Mohmand

Border Management

 Angor-Adda border terminal, South Waziristan Agency
 Ghulam Khan border terminal, North Waziristan Agency

FATA reforms are a historical step towards socio-economic development and security of the state. These historic reforms will mainstream our tribal people after seven long decades and will integrate this war-torn region with mainland Pakistan. These reforms promise long term development work in tribal districts. Pakistan’s army has been the key player responsible for this social transformation of locals through which they were able to see the value of the development

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From Guns to Roses the story of Erstwhile FATA (Part-I)

From Guns to Roses the story of Erstwhile FATA (Part-I)
By Kashmala Yousafzai

Federally Administered Tribal Areas Federally Administered Tribal Areas, once called, have become part of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province.
The journey from the tribal areas to the districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa seems to be a distance of 74 years, but in fact, it is the result of ever-changing social and developmental changes, not knowing how many centuries it has taken to reach this destination.
Now Khyber, Karam, Orakzai, Mohmand, Bajaur, North Waziristan and South Waziristan are also districts of the province like other parts of the country and neighboring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They have also become constituencies.
After the first elections in 2019, 21 seats have also been set up for them. There are 16 common constituencies and 4 reserved seats for women. One seat reserved for the minority. Former agencies in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly now have elected members in the form of districts.
All political parties took part in the elections whereas the women were especially enthusiastic. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Balochistan Awami Party won seats. The majority were independent candidates. The participation of political parties in these areas was also a new experience.
In the past, members of the National Assembly and the Senate have always been independents. Apart from these areas of FATA, some tribal areas have remained under the provincial government. They were called PATA (Provincially Administered Tribal Areas). These areas are called districts of Chitral, Dir, Swat, Buner, Shangla, Kohistan, Kala Dhaka and Malakand. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa now consists of a total of 35 districts. The new districts cover an area of 27,220 sq km. Their population is around 5 million. About 7.6 million in PATA districts.

These tribal areas have been playing the role of a security fence for Pakistan. Initially, the government of Pakistan maintained the same rules and regulations and the same arrangements that the rulers of British India had laid down for them. A cursory glance at history reveals that the implementation of the Crime Regulation in these areas began in 1872 when the Punjab Frontier Regulation introduced. The British colonialism took over the area in 1849 after the Second Sikh-British War when it was part of the wider Punjab with Lahore as its capital. Some districts were under regular district administration called Settled Districts. But in the mountainous areas, the British rulers kept their subordinates in terms of politics and security. There was no jurisdiction over the general judicial and administrative system of British India. Most of these tribes had to make their own arrangements under the ‘Pakhtun Wali’. In 1901, the formal FCR was implemented, remained in force after 1947. All the powers of the British Raj were in the hands of a political agent in these areas. The traditional tribal chiefs were called Malik.
The British renamed the permanent border the Durand Line during the reign of Afghan Chief Amir Abdul Rahman Khan. In 1901, the Pakhtun region from Punjab to North West Frontier Province was formed. There were also designated districts and tribal areas. These areas remained the same after the formation of Pakistan in 1947. On June 17, 1947, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah issued a statement expressing gratitude to the Muslims of the tribal areas. He received many letters from tribals, to which he said “it is possible for me to answer them all individually. However, I am deeply grateful to all of them. Who have sent me these congratulatory messages and sincere letters. I especially thank these Muslim brothers in the tribal areas across the border for their good wishes and messages of congratulations. Which were received in large numbers. I want to assure them that we will conduct our affairs in a fraternal manner. We have no desire to interfere in their freedom. We will be happy to meet them and make arrangements that are in the common interest of both us and Muslims in general. ”

Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the Governor General of Pakistan signed an agreement with the tribal areas and agreed with that Khyber, Kurram, North and South Waziristan agencies not to have Pakistani troops in these areas. The post of political agent also remained. The jurisdiction of the high courts of Pakistan was also not in these areas. They were called independent area. The situation remained the same till 1970, but then, due to economic needs, the desire of the people of erstwhile FATA to get employment opportunities in Pakistan and abroad began to grow.
With the establishment of Pakistan and beyond, the elders of the tribal areas insisted on maintaining their special status, culture and environment forever and in respect of these aspirations, like other parts of Pakistan, legal authority was avoided but in the wake of September 2001, 9/11 the situation in the region changed and the war on terror began. In view of the threats of terrorism and extremism, the tribal people and elders also changed their minds that development and prosperity in the tribal areas is equally important. As is happening in other parts of the country. Thus, the tribal areas were transformed into tribal districts according to the wishes of their people and elders.
The situation has changed rapidly since 1971. The secession of the big wing after the Indian aggression in East Pakistan, the adoption of the 1973 constitution, the uprising of Sardar Dawood Khan in Afghanistan, the Russian intervention in Afghanistan since 1978.
From here, the importance of the tribal areas increased rapidly because of the civil war in Afghanistan, the Soviet invasion, the interest of the United States, Europe and Arab countries, a large number of Afghan refugees began to enter these tribal areas. Russia’s defeat, Afghans’ own government, then the rise of the Taliban. All these incidents were having a direct impact on the tribal areas. Security, law and order issues were getting serious there. The system of political agents was failing to meet the administrative, economic and legal needs there.

Zubaida khatoon

Remembering Zaitoon Bano: The Qudsia Bano of Peshawar

By Kashmala Yousafzai

Zaitoon Bano, the Bano Qudsia of Peshawar, called as “Khatun-e-Awal” (first lady) of Pashto fiction”, an honorary title awarded to her in recognition of her contribution to Pashtun women rights, died on September 14, 2021. Zaitoon Bano was a shining star in the field of Urdu and Pashto literature. Her fiction and stories are a perfect reflection of Pashto culture and Pashtun society, and through her writings, she made a conscious effort to create awareness among women and their rights.
Zaitoon Bano was born on June 18, 1938 at Safid Dheri (Spina Warhai village) near Peshawar. Her father, Pir Syed Sultan Mehmood Shah, was an enlightened writer who educated Zaitoon Bano. After completing her Masters in Pashto and Urdu, Zaitoon Bano became associated with Radio Pakistan.

During her student life , her first collection of Pashto fiction, Hindara (Mirror), was published in 1958, when she was a ninth-grade student.


Later, another collection of her Pashto fiction, Mat Bangari (Broken Bangles), was also published. She authored a total of eight books in Pashto and five in Urdu. These include, on the threshold of time. Zaitoon Bano was married to Taj Saeed, a well-known Pashto, Hindko and Urdu writer, with whom she published an Urdu literary magazine, Jarida.
Zaitoon Bano was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Excellence by the Government of Pakistan on August 14, 1996.
Her fiction is also included in the Bachelor of Arts syllabus of Allama Iqbal Open University and Pashto MA in the University of Peshawar.
In 1986, her novel Tears of Wax was translated into German. The novel Dilshad was also translated into seven internationally recognised languages.
In 1973, she was awarded the Sarhad Award by Pakistan Television.
She also received the Silver Jubilee Award for Best Voice in Radio Pakistan and the Best Performance Award from the Abasin Arts Council.
She was married to prominent Urdu writer, poet and journalist Taj Saeed.Taj Saeed who’s real name was Taj Muhammad was born on September 16, 1933 in Peshawar. His poetry collections include “Soch Samandar, Ratun Ki Saleeb, Lekh” and “Shehar Haft Rang” and his prose books include “Krishna Nagar, Jahan-e-Faraq, A Short History of Pashto Literature, Banjara’s Dream”. Ahmed Faraz, Art and Personality, Khushal Shinasi, Shakeel Badawi and Urdu translations of Pashto literature.
Zaitoon Bano and Taj Saeed, reminds us of legend couple Ishfaq Ahmed and Qudsia Bano.
It is a fact that death of Zaitoon Bano, is an irreparable loss to Pashto and Urdu literature.

For arrticle

9/11, Supper Power & the Taliban

By Kashmala Yousafzai

It is been 20 years since the 9/11 attacks which led to many wars and has changed the history. Afghanistan and Pakistan continuously affected by this incident for the last 20 years and still facing the same situation due to US withdrawal, which once again has given rise to some new but serious issues, concerns and challenges in the region.

The 9/11 attacks killed at least 3,800 people, but over the past 20 years, the United States and its Western allies’ wars  have led to deaths of  nearly 300,000 people in the name of counter-terrorism in about half a dozen countries. There is still a state of war, unrest and insurgency.

Ironically, no Afghan or Pakistani were directly involved in the incident. The attackers were all Arabs and al-Qaeda had no public support in Pakistan or Afghanistan. However, after the attack, President Bush Jr. and his team called it a continuation of the Crusades and not only invaded Afghanistan with allies, but also tried to test the Western theory of the clash of civilisations as well as the New World Order.

The war in Afghanistan over the past 20 years has killed nearly 200,000 people, including 15,000 foreigners, while terrorist attacks in Pakistan have killed nearly 90,000 people, including important figures besides 12,000  personnel and officers of armed forces of Pakistan. However, despite 20 years of investment, continuous operations and other initiatives, peace has not been established in Afghanistan and the goals that were claimed to have been achieved have not been achieved. The world has seen Afghan Taliban entered Kabul without resistance on August 15 and the full withdrawal of the United States and its allies on August 31.

President Joe Biden acknowledged  the defeat, saying his investment had been wasted and that he did not want to push the third generation of Americans into the war. Challenging the status of power, he even said that America is no longer a superpower.

After 20 years of resistance, the Afghan Taliban became the rulers of Afghanistan again, while the Afghan rulers and institutions backed by the international community fled the field. The United States and its allies have lost about three to five trillion dollars. Experts called 2021 the month of even greater defeat for the United States than Vietnam, calling Afghanistan a graveyard of empires, and interpreting its withdrawal as a complete defeat, calling it the first embarrassing failure of NATO besides the United States, because not only the United States was defeated but about fifty of its allies were defeated here in Afghanistan.

This failure was not limited to military defeat, but the trillions of dollars, which were spent on institutions in Afghanistan, were lost due to the collapse of the system, resulting in a large number of Americans besides allies questioning the United States’ policies. On the other hand, Joe Biden, by adopting a policy of declaring Russia and China as enemies of the future, began to signal that the game is still on and much remains to be done.

The Afghan war has effected Pakistan heavily facing over 600 drone strikes and suicide bombings. Nearly 100,000 people were killed and billions were lost in economic losses. On the other hand, it continued to receive threats including global pressure and sanctions.

Every effort was made to isolate Pakistan, but after the year 2018, when the need for dialogue arose, the global attitude began to change and Pakistan’s importance increased not only in the form of the Doha Agreement between the United States and the Taliban in January 2020. Pakistan also played a key role in the progress on Afghanistan. The United States continued to view Pakistan’s role with the same skepticism as the Afghans, but the Taliban advances and other unforeseen circumstances made the world look towards Pakistan for help once again. On the other hand, China, Russia, Iran and some European countries sided with Pakistan by recognising its regional and global role, the new development  in Afghanistan was also credited to Pakistan.

The areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan that have been badly affected in attacks, insurgency and unrest over the past 20 years were unfortunately Pashtun areas because they share borders with Afghanistan. Extremists continue to take advantage of this while but the focus on new military economic and administrative measures and reforms in the National Action Plan, border fencing and erstwhile FATA integration led to improvement.

Pakistan has played a pivotal role in bringing relative peace to Afghanistan specially and region in common by facilitating safe withdrawal of US and NATO forces. Pakistan hopes for a better future for Afghanistan and the region.