FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) under which amendment?

FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) was merged with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) under the 25th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan. This significant constitutional change took place on May 24, 2018, and aimed to integrate the tribal areas into the mainstream governance framework of Pakistan. Prior to this amendment, FATA operated under a distinct legal and administrative framework, which was largely based on colonial-era laws that limited the rights and privileges of the local populations.

The merger was a crucial step in addressing long-standing issues related to governance, development, and security in the region. By incorporating FATA into KPK, the government sought to extend the same legal rights and protections enjoyed by citizens in other parts of Pakistan to the people of FATA. This included the application of the Pakistani Constitution and the establishment of a more robust legal and administrative system, which was expected to promote better development and integration.

Furthermore, the 25th Amendment facilitated the representation of FATA in the national and provincial assemblies, allowing for greater participation of tribal communities in the democratic process. This was essential for ensuring that the voices of FATA residents were heard in legislative matters and that their specific needs and concerns were addressed. The integration has been viewed as a historic move towards achieving social justice and fostering national unity, reflecting a commitment to the equitable treatment of all regions within Pakistan.