Mainstreaming Pata: Exploring People's Perceptions Of The Merger In Hazara Division, Pakistan
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Abstract
This study adopted a positivistic approach with the major aim to explore people's perceptions of the merger in Hazara division, Pakistan. The nature of study was quantitative and questionnaire and interview schedule were used as a tool of data collection to gather primary information from a sample size of 384 respondents in 8 districts of Hazara division through simple random sampling. Questionnaire was distributed among educated respondents while interview schedule was utilzed to collect data from illiterate respondents. The collected data was analyzed through the application of Chi-Square Test Statistics to draw the association between dependent and independent variables. It was concluded that despite excellent governance and living conditions in Hazara, the PATA merger faces big obstacles. Roadblocks include tribal and nationalist leaders, political agent resistance and weak federal support. Fortunately, parties that support reforms like better legal justice, less corruption, and more transparency offer hope for a fairer future. The study recommends removing those barriers through tribal elder engagement in a dialogue, gradual adoption, and federal government commitment to resources and reforms. Those changes must last through strong systems of accountability and citizen engagement.