Today, FATA is being called a cause and centre of militancy by many, not only in Pakistan but in the entire region. Therefore the need for peace and security in FATA is the overriding concern undisputedly voiced by all as the sine qua non for development in the region. Security and peace in FATA is not only a key to both regional and international stability but also a pre-requisite for development. For this reason, CAMP in collaboration with DSS Department, QAU collaborated for the second in the series of a round table discussions to probe the issue and bring forward some concrete suggestions, in order to:
• To determine basic social needs and underlying causes of prevailing disparities in FATA.
• To reflect on questions concerning FATA development.
• To review challenges and opportunities for mainstreaming FATA.
The roundtable was opened by Ms. Antje Grawe, Economic Counsellor German Embassy and the visiting American scholar and professor emeritus Marvin G Weinbaum as a special guest. Both highlighted the significance and importance of sustained development and progress in FATA, which hinges primarily on non-military approach to the conflict. The panelists consisting of Dr. Razia Sultana, Chair Department of History, QAU, Mr. Ibrahim Shinwari and Dr. Nazya Fiaz, Assistant professor, DSS department also expressed their views and highlighted the issues which hold back peace and developemnt in FATA, that critically need to be addressed to, if we aim to bring meaningful change and prgress to the region, which is of critical importance for the entire country.