South Waziristan: A Background

The Tribal belt in the North West of Pakistan has become a flash point worldwide after the rumors got currency, which to some extent were supported by intelligence reports ,about the presence of key al Qaida and Taliban leaders in the rugged terrain of the tribal area. Pakistan being a partner in the coalition against terror, carried out two major military operations in October 2003 and also in March 2004 and remained militarily engaged since October in the region.

Though no significant elements of the terrorist groups have been captured, the military action has put across very strongly the message of the government that no such elements will be entertained by the local tribals under any pretext of cultural norms such as hospitality etc. As the truce that was reached on 26 April 2004 between the armed forces and the local tribesmen brought calm for the moment and also life is back to normal for the common people, revolutionary steps are needed to be taken to secure the border area from future troubles To understand the whole issue in proper perspective some important factors are needed to be underscored.      

Status of the Tribal Area

The seven tribal regions in the North West of the country of which one is South Waziristan enjoy semi autonomous status. On the inception of the country in August 1947 the tribal elders unanimously decided to pay allegiance to the central government of Pakistan on the condition of maintaining their autonomy. Since then, territorially they are part and parcel of the state of Pakistan but administratively autonomous through the political agent who coordinates with the federal authority.

The law of the land has not been enforced and so far these areas function under the Frontier Crime regulations which are the legacy of the British period. Throughout 55 years since the country got independence these areas remained out of the pale of normal developmental works of the state. More significant reasons for lack of development were the abhorrence of the tribal people of the government intrusion into their way of life. They zealously guarded their independent character against all odds. The tribal law called “Pukhtonwali “ is their constitution, which shape and regulate the lives of the tribal people.

The difficult terrain is one more tangible reason, which keeps the authority away from the tribal belt. Equally important are lack of enough resources for the government to extend support to the tribal areas and also the buffer status of the tribal areas against aggression from across the border. But the need of the hour is to dismantle the sanctuaries of terrorism by bringing tribal area under the direct control of the federal authority and regular development works be introduced and also rule of law be established in the tribal region. 

Culture and Politics of the Tribals 

Frontier tribes have evolved a culture of their own which is ancient and traditional. Their politics are also a reflection of their tribal culture, which does not allow them to accept any change without reservation rather mostly they resist change. Their politico-cultural structures are simplistic but duly cater to their socio-political needs. Tribal Jirga and the institution of Khan/Malik make the core of their political life.

Straddled at the border area for centuries they are very shrewd in the art of give and take, which is so very explicit in the traditions of hospitality and revenge. They are a mix of stark contrasts and also very pragmatic. At some point they would be generously hospitable but on another so revengeful that no power of the world would spare the culprit from their grip.  They are sharp enough to take mileage of cultural traits into politics. The culture of hospitality and shelter has very strategically been used against the authorities to achieve the needed advantages. But this time the shelter provided to the so-called guests backfired and brought the wrath of the government against such tribal elements.

Their circumstances are extreme and the life style is a reflection of that. However, their politics have strong trappings of pragmatism. Perhaps that’s the reason that made them reach reconciliation with the government for the case in point.