FATA-KP Merger: An Analysis of Post-Merger Realities

Abstract

The joining of FATA with KP in 2018 was a big step for Pakistan, meant to boost governance, security and economic and social growth. Here, we look at what the local public thinks about the merger, studying the possible impact on governance, infrastructure, economic chances and traditional culture. The research uses surveys (with 104 participants), interviews and focus group discussions with students, elders, officials and professionals who lived in former FATA. Studies find that although some recognize improvements, many are still unhappy about slow changes, ongoing corruption and broken economic pledges. Matters of concern are difficulties in finding work, the problems of political leadership and worries about the continuing influence of the tribes. According to the report, the region should speed up its decentralization process, boost openness, aid financial and social progress and keep its unique identity as it links to the rest of the nation. Sustainable integration can be achieved by giving priority to community outreach, fair sharing of resources and security with development. The findings recognize that immediate, practical changes must be made to unite what is promised by leaders with actual everyday life for people in the merged districts