^^ They were never under control of any state going back to British era. They were siding with Pakistan b/c we have been basically paying the tribal chiefs to side with us.
Yes "they" sided with Pakistan for the money, not the fact that Pakistan supposed to be an Islamic state. Yes, "they" sent its men to fight in Kashmir because they were paid to do so. Yes "they" fired at US invaders when the Pak. Army did not do jack to protect Pakistani soil yet the tribals were paid.
it's no wonder that Pakistan is tearing itself apart.