Table of Contents
Social and Political Activism.. 7
Festivity, Poetic & Cultural Events. 8
Chapter I
Introduction
With the passage of 25th constitutional amendment the newly merged districts (NMDs), previously known as FATA, were expected to be at par with other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but unfortunately these districts could not get the level of attention in terms of institutional and other development; in term of rights assurance; in terms of media coverage; in terms of access to information etc. It still seems to be a black hole where there is complete blackout of life. This entire scenario indicates disconnect within and with the rest of the world. The “disconnect” most of the times creates and widens the center-periphery gape – which further justifies ignorance on the part of government and the area remained underdeveloped. Amidst all of the mentioned issues, the ongoing political process, on ground, presents a ray of hope. The ongoing multi-faceted including political activism through traditional ways – like political gatherings, protests, rallies, processions, meetings, alliances, etc., and on social media forums. There is a complete life in the merged districts which needs to be seen holistically. Each event and incident contributes to the broader picture; therefore, neither the events nor the broader picture fulfills the purpose of understanding people and society.
The report consists of data collected throughout the quarter from traditional and social media. Both the mentioned media have been used for reporting and coverage of activities in the NMDs, though the traditional media usually shows indifference while covering these districts.
This report publishes broader picture along with details of the social and political process by focusing on “peace” and “democracy” in the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The report has four chapters including the introduction chapter, which tells about the background and structure of the report along with the rationale; chapter II discusses peace & anti-peace; chapter III highlights the social and political process in the area; while chapter IV concludes the report by brief summary, solutions to some issues and questions which need to be addressed in the future reports and by researchers.
The report monitors all national print and electronic media including geo news and other TV channels, dawn, the news, mashriq, express tribune and social media pages [of activists, political workers,, institutions and organizations] in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Chapter II
Peace & Anti-peace
Peace
The newly merged districts (NMDs) are in transitional phase from the old FCR structure to the new formal legal structure of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The region is passing through multiple experimentation of governance. In this regard, the government’s move to appoint Deputy Commissioners as “Justice of Peace” in the seven Newly Merged Districts has been controversial and that a session judge will have same authority under Code of Criminal Procedure has become a matter of contention and hot debate. The district and session judge of district Khyber has sent an inquiry letter to the district police officer which clarifies the legal position of deputy commissioner as “justice of peace”. The decision to appoint deputy commissioner as Justice of Peace is challenged by a lawyer from South Waziristan district in Peshawar High Court. The lawyer has requested the court to declare the decision void, illegal and unconstitutional.
On the other hand, elders of tribal districts in a seminar expressed concern about terrorist attacks and urged the federal government to hold a meaningful dialogue with the banned outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan for durable peace in the region. Moreover, traditional set up of tribal elders and malaks resolving local disputes and conflicts is being pushed forward. Recently, 15 members Jirga resolved the two years long conflict over the composition of the profit-distribution among the tribes. The Sunnikhel mines at Dara Adamkhel were closed in 2020.
On the other side of the border, in the post-Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, there are challenges to run the government. Muttahida Shariat Mahaz, a syndicate of the leaders of all sects, arranged a conference which was attended by Afghan clerics in which the decision of Afghan Taliban to ban girls’ education was called upon to be re-visited. The conference theme was, “Girls Education: Importance in Islam and Role of Religious Leaders”.
The institutional building in newly merged districts should be as speedy as it is in the other settled districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Only then can development be ensured in NMDs. Chief Minister of Pakhtunkhwa directed to make the Center for Violent Extremism Functional. He has directed the concerned authorities to immediately formulate finance and human resource committees under the Board of Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism so that financial budget, organogram and other important matters could be finalized without any delay.
Rehabilitation of drug addicts and other psychiatric patients needs to be reintegrated as fruitful members of the society. The Pabbi Intellectual Club, Nowshehra, recently organized an event where the drug addicts and psychiatric disorders patients were treated with a novel way. The Club organized mushairas, seminars and music to rehabilitate the patients.
Anti-Peace
Targeted killings have become a routine throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where political and social activists, journalists, businessmen and security personnel are targeted and not a single assailant has so far been detained up till now. Some of the incidents have been noted here in this report below. The targeted killings are not limited to any specific group or government institution but ranging from civilian, government civilian officials, policemen, political and social activists. Majority of the incidents of targeted killing have taken place in the newly merged districts precede by district DI Khan. An incident took place in Kulachi where the unidentified men killed a detective police constable near Kulachi police station. A government school teacher was killed in a roadside bomb planted by unknown persons in tehsil Mamund of district Bajaur. All Bajaur Teachers Association staged protest demonstration against the killing of their colleague in a roadside bomb blast in Badan area. An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was targeted killed by unknown men on Bannu-DI Khan road. A policeman injured due to the gunfire of unknown persons at a check post in district Mohmand. No clue was found of the unidentified attackers. Three people were killed in a grenade attack in Kulachi tehsil of district DI Khan. The unknown persons killed a son of a tribal elder in tehsil Mamund of district Bajaur. A retired levies Subedar was killed by unknown persons in tehsil Mamund of district Bajaur. In Ramazan, the unknown persons attacked a police post with grenade in Bara of district Khyber. A man was killed and two other injured by unknown persons in Tehsil Nawagai of district Bajaur. A policeman was target killed in Bannu. The officer was posted to the investigation branch of police. Two officers of the excise and narcotics control department were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked them in Darazinda of district DI Khan. A constable was injured when unidentified persons hurled a grenade onto a police station in Sadda Bazaar of district Kurram. Unknown armed men believed to be bandits killed a Frontier Corps soldier and injured his friend near Titterkhel village. Gunmen killed Awami National Party election nominee for a general council seat Musawir Dawar in Mirali Bazaar.
Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) remained one the strategy of terrorists and other miscreants to target elders and other officials. An elder of Mamund tribe of district Bajaur remained safe in a roadside bomb blast. The political leaders and traders at Batkhela bazar of district Malakand staged a protest when unknown persons killed a boy in a shop. The protesters carried the dead body in the protest and demanded peace in the bazar. Against the target killing of its workers, Awami National Party took to streets in different districts to protest the murder of Musawir Dawar, the nominee of the party for local government polls in Mirali, North Waziristan.
Unknown terrorists in Janikhel Bannu carried out a number of attacks on civilians as well as on government officials during last two years. In response to these attacks, the residents staged two nonviolent protests carrying dead bodies of the deceased for many days. After both of the protests, the government signed agreements with the residents and assured them that such events would not take place in future. However, recently, two policemen have been killed by unidentified persons in Janikhel.
Beside terrorism and target killings, this quarter also saw incidents of violence and communal enmities; including, honor killing, land disputes and others. These incidents have taken lives of minors, women and adults. The incidents included domestic dispute that took life of a child while his mother got injured in Peshawar with firing by uncle. Six people were injured when rival groups exchanged fire over a land dispute in Nasapi area of Halimzai tehsil in the district Mohmand. A criminal of honor killing got bail from the court in Malakand.
The residents of NMDs are suffering from terrorism and counterterrorism for the last two decades. They mostly blame the state for their agony. This is a fact that there is no business opportunities created by the state, however, the fertile and mineral rich land provides enough resources to feed the residents. For example, there are mines (coal and marble, granite, nephrite and other precious stones), forests of Chalghoza, fruits and vegetable. Among these resources, cross border trade remained one of the basic source of income and livelihood of the residents. During last two decades, all the discussed sources of income and livelihood have been badly affected.
The cross border trade has been stalled and the army-owned companies are trying to take up the businesses in borderlands; for example, Chalghoza, precious stones and cross border trade. The cross border trade has been formally controlled by the national logistic cell (NLC) which is Transportation Company owned by Pakistan army. NLC have installed its unit at Torkham border and the local residents have been prevented from doing business. The local residents are complaining and are in protests for the last two years that NLC has forcibly grabbed the land. The residents, political and social activists are protesting against the NLC for its control of the cross border trade and its interference; for example, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl activists staged a protest demonstration at the Torkham border against National Logistics Cell over its alleged interference in the working of other government departments. Awami National Party took a protest march from Peshwar to Torkham against the business and land grabbing by NLC and demanded opening of cross border trade for common traders. Such interference of the external companies is threat to peace and is an act of anti-peace.
For establishment of peac,e the government has taken both hard and soft measures. Hard measures are included search operations against the miscreants; for example, search operations by the police and security forces in district Khyber, near Hayatabad Peshawar, 173 suspected persons detained and large quantity of drugs, arms and ammunition recovered. Security forces killed two militants belonging to the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (Gandapur group) during an intelligence-based operation in Gara Guldad area of Kulachi. Operations against drug traffickers; for example, police arrested three hashish traffickers from district Orakzai to Kohat.
The soft measures include returning of internally displace persons (IDPs) and formation of Center for Violent Extremism. Addressing the concerns of IDPs, the provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) has released RS. 320 million fund for the affected families of operation Zarb-i-Azab. On the other hand, Chief Minister of Pakhtunkhwa directed to make the Center for Violent Extremism Functional. He has directed the concerned authorities to immediately formulate finance and human resource committees under the board of Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism so that financial budget, organogram and other important matters could be finalized without any delay
Many families from newly merged districts (NMDs) are still living as internally displaced persons (IDPs) who were displaced during military operations against terrorism. They are looking for government to help them out of the crises. The newly elected tehsil councilors demanded for the speedy and honorable return of the displace persons of Tirah Valley of district Khyber. Elders and political activists demanded speedy return of the displaced families of Kukikhel tribe of district Khyber in a Khuli Kachehri arranged by the district administration.
Reintegration of (ex) militants is the major problem in post conflict environment of the newly merged districts of Pakhtunkhwa. There are militants who have been reintegrated into society by the security forces but they are still not clear in the eyes of society. There are many incidents occurred throughout Pakhtunkhwa where (ex) militants have been killed by the (un)known persons. Killing of militant commander in South Waziristan can be interpreted in two ways; first, he has been killed by a community member to take revenge, or, second, either killed by his own group of militants for his services as a source to the security forces.
Chapter III
Social and Political Activism
Politics
Borderland
During the past few years border management authority at Torkham border increased the burden of documentation for border crossing. This documentations process is now creating problems for both Afghan nationals and locals of Khyber district. They cannot visit each other as they were doing before the strict system of documentations. The traders cannot continue their trade as they were doing it before. World Peace Jirga (WPJ), in a seminar, has demanded restoration of gate pass and token system for both Afghan nationals and locals of Khyber to frequently travel on both sides of the Torkhan border. According to the speakers, revival of the previous gate passes and token system would enhance bilateral trade between the two neighbouring countries.
The Afghans who were refugees to Pakistan and wanted to return to Afghanistan were stopped at Torkham border by the border security. The refugees were forewarned that they should have proper documentation (visa, travel documentation) while living in Pakistan. They will not be allowed to cross the border while carrying only Tazkira (Afghan identity card) after April 4. After implementation of the newly-introduced Individual Voluntary Arrangement System (IVAS) at Torkham, cross-border movement of Afghan nationals has considerably reduced since the start of April. The authorities revealed that after imposition of the new system, around 2500-3000 Afghans came to Pakistan and went back on proper visa on daily basis. Cross border movements and trade were not only affected by the IVAS but uncertainty too. The Angoor Adda border reopens after a week when it was closed by Pakistani authorities after a terrorist incident in which two army officers were killed. On the other side, in response, the Taliban erected a brick wall after border was closed from Pakistan side.
Trade with Afghanistan which was badly suffered with the Taliban takeover of the Arg in Afghanistan has taken up momentum in recent month and will further be increased in upcoming months, officials at Thorkhum border revealed. The movements of pedestrian are still lower due to the strict enforcement of Individual Voluntary Arrangements System (IVAS).
The areas at peripheries of borderland lack basic necessities of life; absence of roads, schools, hospitals and all. In this regard, residents of Letaai, a remote area in Salarzai tehsil of district Bajaur, have complained about absence of basic facilities like school, health center and carpeted road. The scenic area surrounded by mountains located near the Pak-Afghan border comprising over 30,000 people, but is kept deprived of development.
Political Activism
This quarter report has noted political activism in the province. A number of social and political activists have protested and demonstrated for their demands which are appreciable activities for strengthening democratic culture. Some of the events of political activism have been noted in this report; such as, the students of Kohat University of Science and Technology flayed the decision taken by varsity administration that each student will pay Rs 2000 as convocation fee. They also rejected the HEC degree attestation. They were of the opinion that the degrees having already been signed by the Vice Chancellor need not be signed by other authorities costing fees.
A group of teachers of the basic education schools of district Mohmand protested for not receiving their salaries for nine months. Participants of a seminar held for guidance of the newly-elected local body members demanded that all the administrative and other powers concerning provision of municipal services be handed over to the mayors and chairpersons instead of the deputy commissioner and commissioner. Speakers in a multiparty conference resented growing trends of violence and intolerance among political workers and urged parties to take corrective measures.
Elders and political activists demanded speedy return of the displaced families of Kukikhel Residents of Kuz Kana area of Shangla demonstrated against death of three mineworkers due to alleged negligence of the staff and a lack of safety measures at an Orakzai mine. Bara Siyasi Ittehad (BSI) expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Bara tehsil and called for corrective measures by the law-enforcement agencies.
Awami National Party accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of using official resources to run campaign for his party candidates in the local government elections and warned to take him to the court for violating election rules. A citizen has moved the Peshawar High Court against the 2017 census in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including tribal districts, insisting that majority of the residents were not present in the erstwhile Fata due to displacement and economic reasons.
The Elections Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been found active in Pakhtunkhwa during this quarter of the report. For example, during local government elections the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) noted violence on polling day. The ECP has decided re-polling in twelve tehsils of the province for fair elections. Election Commission of Pakistan has issued notices to several leaders of Jamaat-i-Islami including its chief Sirajul Haq for violating code of conduct during second phase of local bodies’ elections in 18 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Other JI leaders, who were issued notices, included its provincial president Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, MPA Inayatullah Khan and candidate of the party for Barawal tehsil council, Jahan Alam. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet approved a proposal for the bifurcation of South Waziristan tribal district for ‘better service delivery and effective management’
Keeping the public interests in view, the Peshawar High Court directed district administration to set up a place for protests to prevent every day traffic jam.
Social
Festivity, Poetic & Cultural Events
Along the hardcore political activities, festivals and other cultural and literary events contribute to the whole political process.
The recent Derajat Festival of 2022, which was organized in Rata Kalachi Sports Complex and the Mela ground, featured 25 traditional, cultural and regional games. Dera Ismail Khan is the hub of festivals. One of the reasons of crowded and successful festivals in Dera Ismail Khan is its location – which is situated near Waziristan, DaraZinda, Marwat population and districts of Punjab province. These events accommodate diversity, tolerance and promote peace.
Regular musical events were held by various governmental and non-governmental organizations during the quarter. Musical gatherings bring people together in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that promote collectivity and tolerance. Musical gatherings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained an indicator to measure level of tolerance in society.
In the recent time Awami National Party (ANP) institutionalized music by establishing a production house owned by the party – which is very helpful in promoting peace, tolerance and harmony. So political activism through music is effective, but the anti-peace forces are equally active to halt such activism. On 18th of March 2022 police violently disrupted a musical concert of a famous Pashto singer, Karan Khan, in Peshawar. The incident triggered a worldwide protest and condemnation among Pashtun diaspora in Europe and America and even in Pakistan. The protest showed people’s interest in music and peace.
Artists play key role in sustaining and enriching a culture. In Pakhtunkhwa, the artists are not given their due place in the society and mostly live in discrimination. Many of the artists are veteran who need encouragement. Such veteran included, Sabra Sultana, who played a role of Ms Molly Ellis in the Pashtu classic movie “Ajab Khan Aftidi” in 1971.
Besides, poetic events and book launching ceremonies contribute to peace and connectivity among people. A book lunching ceremony of “Spin Bairagh”, which is poetic compilation of Riaz Hairan, was organized in Swat where speakers expressed that poets and writers can play very important role in reforming society. Poets and writers expressed to organize such gatherings in future to promote peace and collectivity.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cultural and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) organized a literary event for the young literati in which the Pashtu poet and philosopher, Ghani Khan, termed an inspiration for them. The event was joined by poets, writers, artists, fans and local elders. The Pashtu Sufi poet, Rehman Baba, annual Urs celebrated with spiritual zeal at his shrine in Peshawar which was arranged by Rehman Baba Adabi Jarga. The Urs was attended by poets and writers from different parts of Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Afghanistan.
Jish-i-Nauroz mela (fair) was organized by the Pakhtun Students Federation (PkSF) of the Islamia College University (ICU) in which cultural exhibition, Mushaira and painting competitions were held. Several bookstalls were also set up at the event. Another event, The Community Resilience Activity (CRA)-North organized a three-day training workshop for local poets and a sports gala for students in Jamrud to promote peace and harmony among the militancy-affected tribesmen of district Khyber
Notable Pashto singer Karan Khan has recently released his album, “Dagh” comprising Sufi contents which attracted a large audience on social media owing to its soulful sensation and rhythmical music compositions. The veteran music composer, Samuel Thakur Dass alias ST Sunny, advised the young artists to focus on quality stuff of music if they want to reclaim the past glory of rhythmical tradition in folk, film or pop.
In addition to the cultural activities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the English Dramatics Society of Edwards College staged a play. In the direction of prof. Nasir Iqbal, Head of the English Department, Edwards College, staged a play on classical French novel, the Count of Monte Cristo, which was authored by Alexandre Domus in 18th century. A function was organized by Catholic Public High School in Sangota, district Swat, which was meant to educate students about diversity of cultural heritage in Pakistan. Dressed in cultural attires of all the four provinces and Gilgit-Baltistan, the students took part in various cultural activities.
Along with literary and cultural events sports can also contribute in the process of promoting peace and collectivity in society. Sport events connect people and increase the level of tolerance. Keeping in view contribution of spots in peace and tolerance, the recently organized U21 women inter-district games in Peshawar Sports Complex on 22nd March 2022, has gained wide range appreciation from different quarters. According to reports more than 3,000 players belonged to different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took part in the games.
Climate and Tourism
Climate change is the biggest challenge to the world for 21st century. The region where Pakistan is located is also facing challenges created by climate change; for example, drought and floods and other natural disasters like earthquake. Keeping in these challenges, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa updated its policy of Climate Change Policy, 2022 that aim to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The policy is province specific which is following the National Climate Change Policy, 2021.
Climate changes have started affecting many lives throughout Pakhtunkhwa in which water scarcity is one of the top concerns. Standing crops and vegetable are badly impacted due to scarcity of water. Government needs to plan strategies of water storage throughout the province. Water pollution is one of the biggest challenges the country is facing. Besides taking hard measures to prevent water pollution, soft measures are equally important. In this regard, the Sapat Sindhu Salhar, a literary organization, organized an even in which the local people showered flowers on the Indus River and danced with the drum to disseminate message of saving water from pollution.
There is national law to protect wildlife and life under the rivers. In this regard, the district administration in Bajaur have placed ban on fishing through electric current for three months. During these months, the fish breed and electric current kill the larva of fish which prevent further production. The district administration has imposed Section 144 in Swat to prohibit lighting fire, fireworks or any kind of action, which may cause fire in the forests or adjoining areas.
The land of Pakhtunkhwa remained home for great civilizations. The sites of Gandhara civilization are found in northern Pakhtunkhwa. The well-developed cities of this civilization are found in districts Swabi, Buner, Charsadda, Takhtbai and Swat. Bazira city of this civilization is situated in Barikot, Swat, which is considered the most important city by the archeologists.
For the development of tourism, MoUs signed between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority with two companies; Signature Group and AH representative during Property Expo. The companies agreed to invest in the integrated tourism zones (ITZs). The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) and FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar campus, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost academia-industry linkages for promoting e-tourism.
Business
The province of Pakhtunkhwa has observed setback in businesses and trade the in last two decades; terrorism, military operations, displacement, border closure, ransom, kidnapping and target killing are the causes responsible for the sabotaging businesses and entrepreneurship in the province. In post conflict situation, reconstruction, compensation and rehabilitation are imperative for sustainable development that contributes to durable peace. In this regard, both government and civil society organizations (CSOs) have taken steps to bring the destroyed businesses on its track.
For rehabilitation of businesses, representatives of farmers, agriculture workers and non-governmental organizations said that the free market forces should not take over land, livestock, food production and processes instead of promoting small and landless farmers. They also vowed to fight against encroachments and land grabbing by big corporations and to strive for food security. In a press conference, the Pakistan Kisan Mazdoor Tehrik (PKMT) demanded of the federal government to provide substantial economic relief to the marginalized people, especially women. Alternate income resources are playing vital role in sustaining a family house budget in inflation. In this regard, the Forest Department in Hazara division has started a series of trainings for the forest-dependent communities to enhance their income. Considered a big success for a girl, Sadaf Wazir, from North Waziristan opened a handicraft outlet in Peshawar. She said that the purpose of this outlet was to promote local culture and to encourage handicraft artisans of her area.
The step of signing an agreement with the private companies to set up cold storage and cardboard manufacturing units in Wana, South Waziristan by Pakhtunkhwa government is appreciable. This project is funded by USAID. Government also tried to facilitate the unregistered businesses. The unregistered business owners in Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshehra and Swabi were provided instant facilitation centers for registration by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA). The steps taken by the government to rehabilitate and resettle the destroyed businesses in the province are not sufficient. There are worries and uncertainties. The government seems not taking enough measures to restore business and trade in Pakhtunkhwa and the borderlands.
The already affected businesses cannot bear heavy taxes in the province. For example, in Swat, the members of Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with other chambers of Malakand division rejected the notifications of Federal Board of Revenue regarding imposition of taxes in the region and termed the overnight notices as a ploy to shut down factories in Swat.
People are also complaining against government negligence of workers. Three workers were killed and as many injured when they were trapped inside a coal mine after a controlled blast in Mishti Mela area of Orakzai district. Residents of Kuz Kana area of Shangla demonstrated against death of three mineworkers due to alleged negligence of the staff and a lack of safety measures at an Orakzai mine.
Businessmen and Traders still could not receive any compensation for the losses during operations against militants. Traders in Miranshah staged a protest demonstration against delay in payment of compensation for their damaged commercial properties. The traders gathered in front of the deputy commissioner’s office in Miramshah said Peshawar High Court’s Bannu Bench had given verdict about three months ago that the district administration ensure payment of compensation to the affected traders immediately. However, they regretted that the administration was applying delaying tactics
Communal
The growing social issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are all concerning but transgender community of the province lives in critical condition. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Transgender Persons Association revealed the concerns to the reporters at Peshawar Press Club and demanded that tangible steps should be taken by the government. She added that in last ten days, five cases of violence have been recorded against transgender persons in the province.
Drugs supply and its smuggling is one of the basic sources of income of terrorists. The Pakhtunkhwa province has faced a prolonged conflict where, beside other illicit activities, drug traficking chain has been well established which smuggle drugs to each and every corner of the province. The city police in Kohat arrested three hashish traffickers from district Orakzai to Kohat.
Three people were killed and three others received injuries when two groups clashed over a land dispute in Shawar Shahi area of Matta tehsil.
Service Delivery
Providing services by the government has become a challenge day in and day out. Electricity short-fall has become a routine. Food security has also become a big challenge in Pakhtunkhwa.
District Bajaur is facing severe power outages since long. The power outage is higher even in bazars and small industries in the district. In this regard, the district administration intervention has resolved the issue of electricity load shedding of Khar bazar, the center of the district. The residents of Dera Ismail Khan and Tank cities have protested prolonged power outages, especially during Ramazan. They claimed that the Pakhtunkhwa Electric Supply Company (PESCO) was carrying out load shedding of about 16 hours daily in urban and suburban areas of DI Khan division. Traders in Inayat Kallay Bazaar (Bajaur) held a protest sit-in against the Tribal Electric Supply Company (TESCO) for disconnecting power supply to the bazaar. The police have booked eight trader leaders from the Inayat Kallay Bazaar here for blocking a road during a sit-in against power disconnection by the Tribal Electric Supply Company. Traders of Topanwala Bazaar and East Circular Road in Dera Ismail Khan City staged a protest demonstration against unannounced power outages and blocked the road for several hours, while members of the tehsil council in Bannu asked the government to take notice of prolonged outages in urban and rural localities of the district.
There is still lack of institutionalization in NMDs, no proper management or administrative structure. Economic activities are slowed down due to military operations, terrorism and change in the system of government from FCR to formal system. Instead the government strives for normalizing the business, solve security challenges and develop institutions, it imposes taxes upon the residents. In such circumstances paying taxes become extra load for the poor and unemployed community. In this regard, the tribal elders, traders and political leaders discussed the issue with the PESCO officials and district administration where they are planning to install electricity meters. The elders, leaders and traders demanded for subsidized electricity bills and a smooth supply of electricity in district Bajaur.
Alternative power sources are the need of the day. People are already benefiting from solar system which provide unbreakable electricity. Some of the solar systems have been provided by the government and NGOs but mostly people buy solar systems by themselves. Subsidized provision of solar systems will resolve the issue of electricity supply to a large extent. In this regard, in Bajaur, people of three villages of Utmankhel tehsil called for establishing solar-powered water supply schemes to resolve the issue of drinking water shortage on permanent basis.
Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is taking steps to provide food items to the masses on subsidized prices. Under the Chief Minister, the Cabinet approved a Rs. 2.5 billion as Ramazan package to provide subsidy on edible items. Ramzaan bazars have been setup in Lakki, Swabi and Bajaur for providing commodities, mostly food items, at subsided prices. The district and local administrations have taken responsibility to ensure availability of commodities at these sasta bazaars. However, the local consumers are complaining of unavailability of commodities at these bazaars. People are criticizing the Sasta bazar set up by the government to provide subsidized food items to the residents but as the month of Ramzan started, the prices remained higher than usual.
The deputy commissioner of district Orakzai said that a mobile utility store service was provided to the residents to provide food items with a subsidized price.
Residents of Muala Kallay locality of Khar tehsil, Bajaur, staged protest demonstration against the slow pace of work on an under-construction road. They kept the Khar-Munda Road blocked for about two hours. Scores of people from different walks of life participated in the demonstration.
The district administration launched construction of irrigation channels at the Bara River. The channel is 2000 meter long and its cost is Rs. 10.7 million which will provide water for irrigation to 25000 acres of land.
Local administration destroyed poppy crop grown over 86-kanal in Upper Prang Ghar tehsil of district Mohmand. Many operations against poppy crop were conducted in past three decades. During every operation, promises were made with the locals for their jobs and other developmental projects but the promises could not be fulfilled.
Chapter IV
Conclusion
According to the data, the traditional set up of tribal elders and Malak is functional in some social and political spheres in the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Their jirgas are resolving local disputes. Media cover their concerns regarding deteriorating security situation and the threat of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in the districts. The data shows that the traditional tribal elders are becoming relevant in the transition period where there is lack of infrastructure and institutional building in the merged districts. It is because the new setup seems to be blocking emerging leadership.
Fear envelops the atmosphere of both the merged districts and the adjacent areas where Taliban and the “unknown” attack civilians and security personnel. These incidents are growing day after another. Most of the analysts are linking up these growing incidents of terror with the fall of Kabul and Taliban coming into power in Afghanistan – which encouraged militants on easetern side of the border too.
On the other hand, social and political process seems encouraging for democrats who believe in peace-building rather than peace-keeping; and those who believe in individual liberty rather than security arrangements and unnecessary surveillance. The data shows political gatherings, cultural and literary events are organized in the merged districts regularly which show earnest interest of the people in peace, tolerance and de-radicalization in the region.
Moreover, issues in service delivery and lack of institutionalization has been highlighted in different forums by the local leadership of the merged districts. The locals believe that proper institutionalization would solve issues with service delivery, local business and peace-building in the merged districts.
