If the Deal in Swat Works

Let us assume for a moment that the peace deal in Malakand is sustainable, and that it satisfies the needs of the people of Malakand especially Swat. Let us assume for a while that the years long strife in Swat, which has caused the valley irreparable loss in terms of both property and lives, was all for the Nazam-e-Adl regulation; and let us suppose that the government has achieved a great success by accepting the demands of the people of Swat.

The questions and apprehensions, in spite of assuming the deal lasting, are still remained unanswered and unaddressed.

The first apprehension is that what will become of the compensation of the losses the people of Swat were inflicted with. Their properties were destroyed, loved ones killed, infrastructure damaged; education jeopardized, morality devastated. Let the government and the militants sign the peace deal, and let them bring the Nizam-e-Adl in practice; but the question still wanting an answer is as who will be held responsible for the human and physical loss; and who will dispense the collateral damage. Whether it was government or the militants but the former is the sole authority to bring the culprits to the threshold of justice.
Will government be able to do that? It is uncertain. Because if the government wants to punish the militants against the atrocities they have committed it will not be possible owing to two reasons: the government has agreed to accept the armed and brutal way of the militants as an accepted way; and secondly those who are responsible for the atrocities are so powerful that they will resume their armed struggle in case asked to explain their crimes.

The second apprehension is the lack of trust between the two parties involved in the deal. The government seems to dwell in fool's paradise. It has assumed that the status qua in Swat regarding the daily life will not change. The militants would be satisfied with the court system under the new Adl Regulation. It is uncertain. They will definitely establish their writ by forcing the people to mould their lives according to the version of religion the militants adhere to. There will not be allowed any kind of recreation in the valley. Strict rule of burka will be imposed on the people.
People will be forced to obey the orders of the militants otherwise either leave the valley or face dire consequences.

The past vibrant life of the valley will come to a stand still. People from within the country will no longer visit the valley. Thus the valley would virtually be another state cut from the general activities of the country. The valley thus excluded will lag behind in every sphere of life from trade to education. Social interaction with the people of rest of Pakistan will cease in the valley. The economy will face a devastating reduction. The investors will not venture to go to the valley thus causing more unemployment there; and eventually the people of Malakand will opt for cities.

Thirdly, Swat will be a lesson for other regions of the country. It has already given the message that in Pakistan one can make his demand accepted only through the means of guns and brute power. Such insurgencies are likely to rise in rest of Pakistan. This will instigate other reactionaries and marginalized segments of the society to raise arms in order to compel the state to fulfill their demands.

It is a fact that for the past 61 years the Pakistani state has been doing nothing for its people. Governments come and go but the fate of the people does not see any change. To the contrary the people are more molested, exploited, denied their basic rights. Only a small number of the population becomes richer and richer day by day.

And lastly, there are ample opportunities that Swat will become a safe heaven for the militancy. Will the courts be powerful enough to denounce the training camps operating in Swat as unislamic and against the interests of the people of Pakistan. To hope that will be sheer stupidity.

The government had no solution to the issue. It is crystal clear that it has signed the deal in utter helplessness and frustration. It has done it on adhoc basis, and this adhocism is the devil's mother in Pakistan.

And let us dream for a while. That the peace deal comes there as permanent and lasting; and the Adl Regulation is accepted only in the sphere of law and justice, the trial pending in the courts for decades get judgment in days; and the general daily life is not affected, education continues, developmental agencies and their work encouraged then we would say that this example should be tested in all over Pakistan.