Developing NMDs

Newly-merged ex-FATA districts have long suffered marginalisation, deprivation given decades of militancy and conflict

The newly-merged districts (NMDs) of the ex-FATA region have long suffered marginalisation and deprivation due to decades of militancy and conflict. Their merger into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was expected to uplift the region and improve its connectivity with the rest of the country. However, five years later, NMDs are still lagging in development and unable to facilitate the locals. Provincial and federal leadership changed twice during this time, but neither of the governments paid any attention to NMDs. Therefore, the Interim Chief Minister’s emphasis on enhanced cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a step in the right direction.

The CM also discussed various public welfare programmes along with potential collaboration between the provincial government and UNDP across different social sectors with UNDP’s resident representative. As always, the foremost thing is to ensure that these directives and initiatives do not fall through with changes in the government. Many regions in Pakistan are lagging in development today due to political tussles. Political leaders need to look beyond their self-interests and ensure that their actions serve more purpose than just good optics. Besides, the projects and partnerships should be transparent and monitored by relevant government departments to avoid corruption, delays and other administrative issues.

Crucially, the local community including retailers, educationists and others should be brought on as stakeholders in different projects. They can offer a better perspective on the needs and demands of the different districts, which can then be utilised to create targeted approaches and programmes. It is high time that the underdeveloped regions of the country received their due share instead of being treated as pariahs. Otherwise, the neglect and marginalisation will fuel resentment and raise a host of social and political challenges for the country.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 9^th, 2023.

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