[Arthalion]

In the 21st century, the world can longer afford "tribal areas" that are off limits to civilized people.

The problem, of course, is that Pakistan would be facing a full scale war if they tried to take it over. The Waziri's have been there for many centuries and don't consider themselves Pakistani...in fact, many find it humorous that the Pakistani's even claim them to be in their country at all. The rest of Pakistan, for the most part, understands that the tribal areas are only technically Pakistani, and that in reality they operate as an independent nation. Up until 2004 Pakistani troops never even set foot in them. Even the British avoided the area whenever possible, and only held nominal control over it (they would enter the area to "punish" the Waziri's after a raid, and would then retreat back out of the area before the Waziri's could mass their forces...they never remained there for any length of time).

An elimination of the tribal areas would at a minimum lead to a full scale civil war, and would probably lead to Waziristan and the other tribal areas declaring their independence. The entire point of their "deal" with Pakistan is simply that they won't rebel if the government leaves them alone.

[SauronOfMordor]

. Even the British avoided the area whenever possible, and only held nominal control over it (they would enter the area to "punish" the Waziri's after a raid, and would then retreat back out of the area before the Waziri's could mass their forces...they never remained there for any length of time).

So you're telling us that the area cannot be held, only sterilized.