Betraying Fata reforms
July 7, 2021
The introduction of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Act 2020 in the former Fata districts has intensified the debate on Fata’s reforms, which were initiated three years ago by the 25th Amendment. The region is now part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, but the extension of such specific laws raises suspicion that it is still being treated as a colonial blackhole.
Seen together with other developments in the region, this is a new and more concerning attempt to roll back the gains of the 25th Amendment.
Alternate Dispute Resolution is celebrated as a community-driven inexpensive and speedy form of justice that complements the formal judicial system. As opposed to the formal court system, ADR prefers compromise and bargain among the parties. Keeping in view its benefits, many countries have adopted ADR as a part of the justice system.