Abstract

Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a significant step by the government of Pakistan to deal with the law and order situation and mainstreaming the region. This qualitative analysis is an attempt to explore the role of structural and cultural factors causing disturbance in FATA region and implications of merger to address these issues. The research findings indicate that a considerable majority of FATA inhabitants not only appreciates the decision but are also looking forward to welcome positive changes in the region. This merger will not only bring administrative and infrastructural development in FATA, but will also open up the region to new businesses, better communication, greater development, and positive social changes. However, it is important that government should involve local people in this process because without understanding the local dynamics, it would be very hard for the state to achieve the desired results.