In the Tribal Areas (FATA) the laws of Pakistan do not apply, the government collects no taxes, and foreigners, including most non-Pathan Pakistanis, are not allowed. The Political Agent is the intermediary between the local tribal representatives, the maliks, and the national and provincial governments, who take a hands-off approach to the Agencies. The all-male, local tribal councils, or jirgas, are the authorities that hold the most sway within the region and settle all public and private affairs. The FATA sends 12 elected representatives to the National Assembly, and in 2002, all the seats went to Independent party.
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Photo: AP Photo/Riaz Khan
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