Tapping FATA’s Hidden Wealth

Dr Ikramullah

Bajaur: The rural landscape of Pakistan, characterized by rolling hills, wide plains, perennial streams, and rugged mountains, houses a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. With nearly 62 percent of the country’s population residing in rural areas, these regions form the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, culture, and identity.

Rural areas are typically defined by their reliance on agriculture, scarcity of basic necessities like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and low population density. These regions also possess a strong sense of community and are rich in natural resources such as minerals, water, forests, and fertile land.

However, without refineries and processing facilities, these resources cannot reach their full potential as finished products.

Historically, agricultural practices and related industries were seen as the sole model for rural development until the 1960s. By the 1970s, the concept of integrated rural development emerged, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to rural growth. This method was adopted globally with considerable success.

Pakistan, particularly the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, continues to adhere to the outdated model of focusing solely on farming and related industries. The FATA region exemplifies the untapped potential of rural Pakistan. Rich in natural resources, including minerals, FATA could become a hub of economic activity.

According to a 2011 report by the Express Tribune, authorities from the then FATA secretariat disclosed the presence of over 21 types of minerals in abundant quantities in the region.

This includes 0.7 billion tons of marble, 537 million tons of chromite, 35 million tons of copper, 20 million tons of gypsum, 11 million tons of dolomite, 3.6 million tons of soapstone, 2 million tons of manganese, and a large quantity of limestone. The report also mentioned the presence of gold reserves in South Waziristan and silver in Bajaur.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/the-double-edged-sword-of-social-media/

In addition to minerals, other resources such as forests can significantly contribute to the livelihood of the people. The production of pine nuts in Waziristan and Deodar cedar in Bajaur can be valuable sources of income. Continuous surface water can be utilized for irrigation, enhancing farming output.

Farmers are now shifting from traditional farming methods to contemporary practices, with a growing inclination towards establishing extensive orchards.

For example, Bajaur and the former FATA region host around 70 million wild olive trees, with 11 million in Bajaur alone. Proper grafting of these trees could yield high-quality olive oil, providing a lucrative asset for the community and boosting the country’s economy.

Tourism is another vital industry that can play a role in boosting the economy.

The region boasts many picturesque sites such as Shawal Valley in Waziristan, Terah Valley in Khyber, Spin Ghar in Kurram, Kalaya in Orakzai, Yousaf Baba Prang Ghar in Mohmand, and the stunning scenery of Bajaur, including the valleys of Charming, Barang, Utmankhel, and Mamund, as well as the Pashat valley in Salarzai. These regions present immense potential for the tourism industry.

Historic landmarks such as Gabbar China, the serene charm of Chinaran, the towering heights of Seri Sar, and the breathtaking beauty of the Ghakhai Pass have the potential to draw tourists from around the world.

Moreover, the area can promote cultural tourism by highlighting its traditional cuisine, music, and arts.

Recent data from locals and site management authorities indicate a notable increase in visitors to Bajaur during Eid-al-Adha, with 60,000 people visiting the Raghagan Dam area, 6,000 visiting Gabbar China, and approximately 3,000 visiting Chinaran and Ghakhi Pass each. Most of these visitors were from the local area.

Read More:https://thepenpk.com/bajaurs-shrinking-farmland/

Imagine the possibilities if the government were to offer amenities and infrastructure, leading to a restoration of normalcy in the region. Tourism has the potential to generate significant earnings for the local community, expanding their income streams beyond farming and manual labor.

The extensive untapped resources in the minerals sector have yet to be fully explored. To harness the potential of resources in the erstwhile FATA, the government should provide vocational training to residents, creating a skilled workforce. 

This should be followed by the establishment of necessary infrastructure, installation of refinery units, and crucially, the creation and protection of trade routes, particularly with neighboring nations.

Unfortunately, the lack of facilities, particularly infrastructure and peace, combined with the government’s disinterest in exploring these resources for local welfare, stifles the region’s development.

This negligence is striking, considering that a single sector can propel a nation to development, as seen in Spain’s tourism industry, Switzerland’s banking sector, Brazil’s agriculture sector, Saudi Arabia’s oil reserves, Singapore’s ports and trade, and Australia’s mining and minerals sector.

Similarly, the untapped natural resources in FATA have the potential to greatly boost Pakistan’s overall income, offering improved prospects for residents and revealing the country’s genuine capabilities.

To unlock the full potential of rural Pakistan, particularly in the FATA region, a comprehensive and integrated approach is essential.

By investing in infrastructure, vocational training, and the exploration of natural resources, the government can pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity.

This not only enhances the livelihoods of rural residents but also contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, showcasing the true potential of Pakistan.

The writer is a government servant in KP’s Tribal Region, serving in a capacity that likely involves administration or governance within the region.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.