Last week’s bomb blasts in the heart of Islamabad have sharpened international focus on Pakistan. Once again, the needle of suspicion is turning towards Pakistan’s restive tribal areas. The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have been on the frontline since the US-led war on terror began in Afghanistan. Located on the north-western border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, FATA is a club of seven tribal agencies which form the fifth territorial component of Pakistan outside its four provinces. The region is beyond the jurisdiction of the laws that govern Pakistan. FATA is still governed by the Frontier Crimes Regulation introduced by the British. Parliamentary representatives are barred from being affiliated to political parties and the writ of tribal chieftains prevails. The fall of the Taliban across the Durand Line has unleashed an avalanche of violent defensive action by the primarily Pashtun people of FATA, who nurture a very strong sense of community with the Afghans. Kurram Agency is simmering with sectarian violence between Shias and Sunnis, the US is fighting the remnants of the Taliban and the Pakistani Army is now retaliating against US incursions, which brings region close to a civilian uprising. With experts from Pakistan, Ruchika Talwar takes stock of the situation.

Three days have passed since bomb blasts rocked Islamabad. No one has claimed responsibility yet. Militants in FATA are known to be well equipped; and given the sophisticated material used on Saturday, does FATA come under the lens before any other place?

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