Over the last few years, tribal youth have been showing eagerness in joining Frontier Corps and service of other security forces.

This development is a positive omen for the security of not only western border but also for strengthening of overall security situation in the country at large, say experts.

As per traditions, a young tribal man would either go to the Gulf States or join local transport and business activity. Owing to poor infrastructure, lack of educational facilities and business activities coupled with increasing militancy in Fata in recent times, the belligerent tribal youth were left with no or little option to either join a private militia or indulge in other anti-social activities.

The recent incentives given by FC and security forces to Fata youth instilled a new spirit of patriotism in them.

More and more Fata youth incline to join armed forces not only for better future prospects but also to satisfy their internal urge to serve the motherland and its people with a renewed zeal and compassion.

“I have joined FC out of my own free will. Defending my country is my prime responsibility. The trained Fata youth in FC will contribute to the security and a peaceful tribal belt in future. I will never let my country down and always uphold its flag till my last breath,” Sajid Gul, a newly passed out FC recruit from Tirah valley, told this scribe.

The passing out parade of the 24th batch of over 350 recruits of Khyber Rifles was held on May 23, 2017, after completion of their five-month training in Landi Kotal subdivision of Khyber Agency. Frontier Corps 23 Brigade Commander Brig Qazi Waseemud Din took the final salute from the recruits, who were divided into five groups at the passing out ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion Brig Qazi reminded the recruits that they had to fight an enemy, who had been bent upon destroying the golden principles of their religion Islam.

He said that the ongoing war was being fought against those, who considered cruelty as their religion and unjust use of force as justice in the name of safeguarding religion.

Brig Qazi urged the recruits to ensure the honour, dignity and safety of ordinary citizens while performing duty and also during their war against extremists and terrorists.

Abbas Ali Shinwari was awarded the IG FC sword of honour for his overall best performance. Rashid Iqbal Khattak, Hafiz Sher Nawaz Shalmani and Nazir Rehman Shinwari were also awarded for their good conduct and best performance in different courses during their training.

Abbas Ali Shinwari was among the new recruits, who while talking to media, said that he would not hesitate to sacrifice his life for the sake of his country as it was his personal desire and passion of Frontier Corps. His unflinching resolve showed that most young men in Fata shared the same commitment and spirit of sacrifice. He was the first ever young man from the entire Shinwari tribe to be bestowed upon with such an honour.

Samat Gul Afridi, a young FC recruit, was quick to say that he joined the force with a passion to defend his beloved homeland. “I grew up with militants all round me. Being a child, I could not do anything at that time but I would always think that once grew enough, I would join FC and would go to every extent to defend my land and fight against those, who shed blood of innocent people in the name of religion,” he added.

The young Afridi felt proud to be part of the force. “I don’t think serving in FC or other armed forces is a just a good paid employment. To me, it is more than that. It is to live and stand for a cause,” he added.

Shamshad Ali Mullagori, another FC recruit, while sharing his feelings said that earlier he was jobless and had been running a teashop in Lahore after doing his graduation a year ago. He said when his father contacted him about joining the FC training, he rushed and got himself enrolled along with his three cousins.

“Luckily I got selected for the training. Now I have passed out after completing the wonderful training. I believe this is the best phase of my life where I am able to serve my land and people with full dedication. I feel confident, energetic and I pledge that I will keep high the name of Pakistan and will always remain ready to lay down my life for its glory and sanctity,” he said with beaming face.

Malak Subhan Khan, a tribal elder, pointed out that tribal youth were not short of any one in talent.

He said that joining FC service would help to overcome the problem of unemployment in Fata to some extent where strength of the local youth would be utilised and in return.

The tribal elder said that trained youth would ensure security of the local population.

He suggested that federal government should set up small separate FC training institutes across Fata for youth with special incentives so that they could be motivated to participate in security operations against militants.

“Over the last few years, after successful military operations in Fata, our youth are getting close to the idea to join FC and army. Fata youth need just a spur,” he maintained.

Talking about the significance of the training, Amanullah Aman Afridi, a retired Subedar Major of FC, said that he had been part of the training sessions.

He said that FC training was a wholesome package, which included along with rigorous physical training, sessions on moral, ethical, social values and also young trainees were being taught lessons on history, traditions, and geography and security situation in addition to dealing with civilians.

He said that FC had 15 units in tribal areas with a few in settled areas that drew sufficient manpower from different tribes across Fata and frontier regions.

“The inclusion of tribal youth will definitely cast a very positive impact on the security situation of the local community and will also strengthen overall security plan in the borders areas. I see that tribal youth with good academic qualifications come up for joining FC,” said the retired Subedar Major.

Amir Khan, a young social activist and head of Khyber Youth Forum, said that Fata youth wanted education, sports facilities and job opportunities. He said that Fata had the biggest youth unemployment ratio in the country.

Mr Khan said that FC was providing a space to Fata youth for a respectable service. He said that militant organisations would never be able to raise their private militias comprising 90 per cent unemployed but qualified youth to kill innocent people. “Yes, Fata youth have the tendency to join FC and army.

A young trained FC recruit can better understand the psyche and culture of local population,” he added.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2017