It is extremely shocking that at this day and age, there still exists a place like FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) that does not afford its basic right; the right to live.
Since Pakistan’s foundation, FATA has been treated as an inferior and unequal part of the country with the perseverance of the colonial era Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR-901). These regulations make FATA an ungovernable frontier hence the constitution governing the rest of the country is worthless here.
The innovations, luxurious lifestyle, developments and modifications around the world have nothing to do with the people living here. They still are living in the stone age with much combat, disgrace, lack of health and educational facilities. 
The regional Pashtuns have demanded for equal rights from the nation over a long period of time, yet their requests have been disregarded over the years. However this issue took on specific fame earlier this year when Naqebullah Mehsud was forcefully abducted during a personal raid by police personnel in Karachi.
After going missing for 10 days, police stated that they had killed four “terrorists” suspected of having links with Iraq or The Taliban. The police officer, Rao Anwar, who led the operation said that Mehsud was also a terrorist however after further investigation, no evidence was found against Naqebullah Mehsud.
This incident led to the emergence of Pashteen, the head of PTM (Pashtun Tahafuz Movement).
His demands are fundamental; Justice of Naqeebullahs murder, a judicial commission to investigate the police encounters, depletion of curfews and check-posts in the tribal areas and the arrival of the missing Pashtuns over the years.
“We are not out here to ask for money, or schools, or even roads, our basic demand is the right to life”
Everyone connects Pashteen’s fame to Naqeebullah’s murder, but very few know that Pashteen had already participated in Islamabad Long March in 2017, a month before Naqeebullah was killed.
The journey to grant Pashtuns their long-lost rights and freedom to live is a prolonged one and we can only hope that this ride ends positively.
Pen & Paper 