December 12, 2008	Friday	Zilhaj 13, 1429

PESHAWAR, Dec 11: The prevailing militancy may have worsened the security situation, but development activities can continue in most parts of the NWFP and its adjoining tribal areas, says a new study.

The study “Development in Fata and NWFP: Managing Security Risks” states that externally inspired insurgency is causing insecurity in the NWFP and Fata, but the depth and reach of militancy and disorder are because of pre-existing weaknesses in governance, government and a failing economy.

The study was recently commissioned by the UK Department for International Development mainly to help the government and its development partners create development policies keeping in account the prevailing situation.

Referring to the impact of insecurity on development activity, the study points out that in 18 of the 24 districts of the NWFP, development activities and service delivery can continue in relative safety. However, in 11 of those districts, the assurances of safety will require that development partners’ activities are conducted under constraints, the study adds.

In Fata, the report says, it is possible to work in selected areas in every agency. Working in the Bajaur region is extremely difficult, but even then in some of its localities development work can be done, if a sensible approach is used, it observes.

In the report, the 24 districts of the NWFP have been categorised keeping in view their exposure to security threats on the basis of government ratings. Eight of the districts have identified security zones that means activities of the Taliban are expanding and the chances of terrorist attacks have increased there. These districts are Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Nowshera, Abbottabad and Tank. Five of these districts share boundaries with different tribal agencies.

Similarly, Swat, Hangu and Tank are considered to be insecure to the point that normal work of the government and its partners has been affected significantly.

Districts like Kohistan, Buner, Upper and Lower Dir, Battagram and Shangla have not been affected by security problems. These districts are remote and have a conservative population and have been long resistant to external influence, the study maintains.

“Insecurity does not and should not impede basic development and service delivery in most areas of the NWFP and Fata. In most of the districts and agencies of the region, development activities and services are welcomed and supported by local communities, including those under Taliban influence,” the report says.

The report further states that public opinion seems to be turning against the insurgents, but the government will have to be effective in restoration of security and in showing progress on development and improved services to sustain this trend.

The study also highlights development priorities for both the NWFP and Fata, recommending designing development programmes that attract community support. These could include social protection measures, human resource and skill development, employment and microfinance and other social mobilisation schemes.

Similarly, restoration of public infrastructure, improvement in the quality of drinking water and community participation in uplift programmes are some of the other priorities prescribed in the report.