Frontier Crimes Regulations

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The Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) comprises a set of laws enforced by British Raj in the Pakhtun inhabited areas. They were specially devised to counter the fierce opposition of the Pakhtoons to British rule, and their main objective was to protect the interests of the British.

The FCR dates back to the occupation of the six Pakhtoon-inhabited Frontier districts by the British in 1848. The regulation was re-enacted in 1873 and again in 1876, with minor modifications.

With the passage of time, the regulation was found to be inadequate and new acts and offences were added to it to extend its scope. This was done through promulgation of the Frontier Crimes Regulation 1901.

The FCR advocates collective punishment and many Human rights activists argue it promotes Human rights abuse.

According to the FCR despite the presence of popularly elected tribal representatives, parliament can play no role in the affairs of the area.

Article 247 of the Pakistani Constitution provides that no Act of Parliament applies to FATA, unless the president so desires. Only the president is authorized to amend laws and promulgate ordinances for the tribal areas.