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Aug 2009 District Buner: A Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact Center for Public Policy Research Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar

Buner Report

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Page 1: Buner Report

Aug 2009

District Buner:A Socioeconomic Baseline and

Displacement Impact

Center for Public Policy Research Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar

Page 2: Buner Report

Table of Contents1. INTRODUCTION 01

1.1 METHODOLOGY 01

1.1.1 Primary and secondary data collection 01

1.1.2. Statistical rigour and Survey limitations 02

1.2 LAYOUT OF THE REPORT 02

1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP 02

1.3.1 Location 03

1.4 PHYSICAL FEATURES 03

1.4.1 Climate 04

1.4.2 Mountains 04

1.4.3 Rivers 04

1.4.4 Flora, Fauna & Forests 04

1.5 MAJOR TOWNS & PLACES OF INTEREST 05

2. SOCIAL ORGANIZATION & INSTITUTIONS 062.1 SOCIETY AND CULTURE 06

2.2 TRIBES AND RACES 06

2.3 SETTLEMENTS AND HOUSING PATTERNS 07

2.4 GENDER 07

2.5 INSTITUTIONS 08

2.6 NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 08

13. BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND PRELUDE TO THE CONFLICT 103.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT 10

3.2 PRELIMINARY CONFLICT AND SECURITY ASSESSMENT 10

4. DEMOGRAPHICS 134.1 OVERVIEW 13

3.2 ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPUALTION 13

4.3 DEMOGRAPHICS AND CONFLICT 14

5. SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND AMENITIES 155.1 HEALTH 15

5.1.1 Conflict and Health 16

5.2 EDUCATION 19

5.2.1 Education and conflict 21

5.3 WATER SUPPLY 23

5.4 ELECTRICITY 25

5.5 ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE 25

5.6 COMMUNICATIONS 26

5.7 SANITATION FACILITIES 26

5.8 SOURCES OF LIGHTING & ENERGY 27

5.9 SOURCES OF INFORMATION 27

6. ECONOMY 286.1 AGRICULTURE 28

6.1.1 Land Utilization in Buner 29

6.1.2 Tobacco 29

Page 3: Buner Report

Table of Contents1. INTRODUCTION 01

1.1 METHODOLOGY 01

1.1.1 Primary and secondary data collection 01

1.1.2. Statistical rigour and Survey limitations 02

1.2 LAYOUT OF THE REPORT 02

1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP 02

1.3.1 Location 03

1.4 PHYSICAL FEATURES 03

1.4.1 Climate 04

1.4.2 Mountains 04

1.4.3 Rivers 04

1.4.4 Flora, Fauna & Forests 04

1.5 MAJOR TOWNS & PLACES OF INTEREST 05

2. SOCIAL ORGANIZATION & INSTITUTIONS 062.1 SOCIETY AND CULTURE 06

2.2 TRIBES AND RACES 06

2.3 SETTLEMENTS AND HOUSING PATTERNS 07

2.4 GENDER 07

2.5 INSTITUTIONS 08

2.6 NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 08

13. BRIEF HISTORICAL OVERVIEW AND PRELUDE TO THE CONFLICT 103.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXT 10

3.2 PRELIMINARY CONFLICT AND SECURITY ASSESSMENT 10

4. DEMOGRAPHICS 134.1 OVERVIEW 13

3.2 ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPUALTION 13

4.3 DEMOGRAPHICS AND CONFLICT 14

5. SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND AMENITIES 155.1 HEALTH 15

5.1.1 Conflict and Health 16

5.2 EDUCATION 19

5.2.1 Education and conflict 21

5.3 WATER SUPPLY 23

5.4 ELECTRICITY 25

5.5 ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE 25

5.6 COMMUNICATIONS 26

5.7 SANITATION FACILITIES 26

5.8 SOURCES OF LIGHTING & ENERGY 27

5.9 SOURCES OF INFORMATION 27

6. ECONOMY 286.1 AGRICULTURE 28

6.1.1 Land Utilization in Buner 29

6.1.2 Tobacco 29

Page 4: Buner Report

ForewordThe Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) is a newly established policy think tank in the

Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar. Given the geostrategic significance of the region,

such a centre should have been established long ago. My hope is that our awareness of being

tardy would impel us to be more responsible, professional, and proactive. Our plan is to act

proactively to the current situation of our province. I for one have always felt that most of our

policies originate from our reaction to an event or a phenomenon; being reactionary, they lack

the spirit of farsightedness. The result is our policies address a problem only in the framework in

which it exists. Our policies show loopholes with change in context, and we panic. This

naturally leads to a situation where we suspect if we can resolve our issue at all. We tend to look

outside and end up importing policies for problems facing us at home. Perhaps, it is time to

establish a home grown forum where we can look at the problems facing us and analyze them

both in the local and global contexts. An imported policy almost always overlooks the local

perspective. We have a hope that CPPR will play an important role to inform and influence our

policy-makers.

CPPR looks at the problems facing people in NWFP and FATA precisely from this point of view.

Instead of looking for a stopgap arrangement and suppress the symptom, we want to understand

the genesis of these problems. CPPR looks forward to establishing a more active liaison with the

government in order to analyze the present, learn from the past, and plan for the future.

This report marks the initiation of the Center's plan of profiling the pertinent socioeconomic

characteristics of all districts as part of the bigger strategy culminating in a conflict sensitive

Development Framework for the province. We hope this study serves its intent of informing

policy makers and development professionals in carrying forward the agenda of sustainable

peace and development in the region.

Naseer Ali KhanDirector IM| Sciences &

Head (Acting) CPPR

1

6.1.3 Wheat 31

6.1.4 Wheat Availability & Food Security 32

6.1.5 Maize 33

6.2 HORTICULTURE 34

6.3 LIVESTOCK 34

6.4 INDUSTRIAL MINERALS 35

6.5 MARBLE INDUSTRY 35

6.6 OTHER INDUSTRIES: 38

6.7 OTHER ECONOMIC SOURCES 38

6.7.1 Retail businesses 38

6.7.2 Remittances 38

6.7.3 Religious & cultural tourism 39

7. POVERTY PROFILE 407.1 POVERTY CHARACTERISTICS 41

7.2 CORRELATES OF POVERTY 41

7.3 POVERTY RANKING OF BUNER DISTRICT 41

7.4 HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND POVERTY 42

8. DAMAGE AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT 438.1 LOSS TO GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE 43

8.2 LOSS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY 45

8.2.1 Vehicles: 45

8.3 INITIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT 45

8.4 RECOMMENDATIONS 46

List of District Officials 47

NOTES: 48

Table of Contents

Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 5: Buner Report

ForewordThe Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) is a newly established policy think tank in the

Institute of Management Sciences, Peshawar. Given the geostrategic significance of the region,

such a centre should have been established long ago. My hope is that our awareness of being

tardy would impel us to be more responsible, professional, and proactive. Our plan is to act

proactively to the current situation of our province. I for one have always felt that most of our

policies originate from our reaction to an event or a phenomenon; being reactionary, they lack

the spirit of farsightedness. The result is our policies address a problem only in the framework in

which it exists. Our policies show loopholes with change in context, and we panic. This

naturally leads to a situation where we suspect if we can resolve our issue at all. We tend to look

outside and end up importing policies for problems facing us at home. Perhaps, it is time to

establish a home grown forum where we can look at the problems facing us and analyze them

both in the local and global contexts. An imported policy almost always overlooks the local

perspective. We have a hope that CPPR will play an important role to inform and influence our

policy-makers.

CPPR looks at the problems facing people in NWFP and FATA precisely from this point of view.

Instead of looking for a stopgap arrangement and suppress the symptom, we want to understand

the genesis of these problems. CPPR looks forward to establishing a more active liaison with the

government in order to analyze the present, learn from the past, and plan for the future.

This report marks the initiation of the Center's plan of profiling the pertinent socioeconomic

characteristics of all districts as part of the bigger strategy culminating in a conflict sensitive

Development Framework for the province. We hope this study serves its intent of informing

policy makers and development professionals in carrying forward the agenda of sustainable

peace and development in the region.

Naseer Ali KhanDirector IM| Sciences &

Head (Acting) CPPR

1

6.1.3 Wheat 31

6.1.4 Wheat Availability & Food Security 32

6.1.5 Maize 33

6.2 HORTICULTURE 34

6.3 LIVESTOCK 34

6.4 INDUSTRIAL MINERALS 35

6.5 MARBLE INDUSTRY 35

6.6 OTHER INDUSTRIES: 38

6.7 OTHER ECONOMIC SOURCES 38

6.7.1 Retail businesses 38

6.7.2 Remittances 38

6.7.3 Religious & cultural tourism 39

7. POVERTY PROFILE 407.1 POVERTY CHARACTERISTICS 41

7.2 CORRELATES OF POVERTY 41

7.3 POVERTY RANKING OF BUNER DISTRICT 41

7.4 HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND POVERTY 42

8. DAMAGE AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT 438.1 LOSS TO GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE 43

8.2 LOSS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY 45

8.2.1 Vehicles: 45

8.3 INITIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT 45

8.4 RECOMMENDATIONS 46

List of District Officials 47

NOTES: 48

Table of Contents

Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 6: Buner Report

From the Editors' DeskNWFP proper and adjoining border area of FATA is faced with a daunting challenge. Hundreds

of civilians and law enforcement personnel have lost their lives in bombing and other acts of

terror perpetrated by the militant groups. More than 4 million people were displaced and though

majority from Swat and Buner have gone back to their native areas, thousands of families from

Bajaur, Mohmand and Waziristan are still living as IDPs in different parts of NWFP and

Pakistan.

It is with this background that CPPR initiate a District Assessment Series, to document the

baseline conditions and need assessment in the conflict affected areas of the Province. Buner

valley was chosen as a starting point for the assessment as it presents a microcosm of the whole

Malakand belt. Buner was also the first among the districts where a focused military campaign

against the militants was successfully launched and the displaced population were rehabilitated

back their native areas. The present report serve as a handy document for all those interested in

rehabilitation and reconstruction of district Buner, including the government departments and

international agencies.

1.1 METHODOLOGY A 2 member team from CPPR made an observational visit to Buner between July 01-03,

2009 to assess the current status of civic amenities, economic conditions, livelihoods,

and infrastructure in the valley after three months of fighting and instability in the

district. A second visit was conducted on 23-24 July to assess the damage of the conflict

in 'cleared' areas. Together the two visits, key informant interviews and secondary data

review made this assessment possible.

The team prepared a community questionnaire and an interview schedule for key

information interviews. A follow up damage assessment performa was developed to

asses the damage rendered due to the ongoing conflict in the district.

1.1.1 Primary and secondary data collection For primary data collection, which is mostly qualitative, a range of PRA techniques in

combination with structured instruments are utilized. They include semi structured

interviews, Focused Group Discussions, transects, camera work and key informant

interviews. The later were particularly useful for discussions with district administration

officials and key social service delivery institutions. A couple of Focused Group

Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in two key locations, key informant interviews

were held with health & education sector officials, and semi structured interviews

conducted with community leaders, Nazims, and other government functionaries.

Since the primary data collection was curtailed due to multiple factors, the report takes

insights from statistical bureau's statistics, both national and provincial. In particular for

01Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Pakistan is going through one of the most challenging times in its tumultuous history. Just in less

the three years, conflict in NWFP and FATA has resulted in death of hundreds of civilians and law

enforcement personnel, disrupted and displaced millions across the province and adjacent tribal

territories and a pervasive fear and uncertainty regarding the safety and security of life and future

in the land.

The government, international agencies and local organizations teamed up in humanitarian

relief and initial reconstruction process in conflict areas. Local communities actively

participated in housing hundreds of displaced families in their homes. There is now an increased

focus with more resources and broad consensus about the rehabilitation of the affected areas.

One of the foremost prerequisite for any development process is availability of accurate social

statistics and base line information about the target areas. The present series of district

assessments stems from the express need of development agencies and policy professionals to

have a concise and handy document as a starting point for planning and designing of

humanitarian and development interventions. The report made use of available government and

independent datasets and where available, utilized multiple sources and methodologies to

include a broader range of information. CPPR is in the process of refining the present

methodology and would be highly appreciative of constructive feedback and inputs from the

professionals and organizations. The Centre plans to extend this series further to key districts of

NWFP and neighboring tribal territories of the country. We will continue to strive for

improvement and betterment of our collective understanding in this regard.

Javed Iqbal and Zafar HabibSeries Editors

Introduction 1

Page 7: Buner Report

From the Editors' DeskNWFP proper and adjoining border area of FATA is faced with a daunting challenge. Hundreds

of civilians and law enforcement personnel have lost their lives in bombing and other acts of

terror perpetrated by the militant groups. More than 4 million people were displaced and though

majority from Swat and Buner have gone back to their native areas, thousands of families from

Bajaur, Mohmand and Waziristan are still living as IDPs in different parts of NWFP and

Pakistan.

It is with this background that CPPR initiate a District Assessment Series, to document the

baseline conditions and need assessment in the conflict affected areas of the Province. Buner

valley was chosen as a starting point for the assessment as it presents a microcosm of the whole

Malakand belt. Buner was also the first among the districts where a focused military campaign

against the militants was successfully launched and the displaced population were rehabilitated

back their native areas. The present report serve as a handy document for all those interested in

rehabilitation and reconstruction of district Buner, including the government departments and

international agencies.

1.1 METHODOLOGY A 2 member team from CPPR made an observational visit to Buner between July 01-03,

2009 to assess the current status of civic amenities, economic conditions, livelihoods,

and infrastructure in the valley after three months of fighting and instability in the

district. A second visit was conducted on 23-24 July to assess the damage of the conflict

in 'cleared' areas. Together the two visits, key informant interviews and secondary data

review made this assessment possible.

The team prepared a community questionnaire and an interview schedule for key

information interviews. A follow up damage assessment performa was developed to

asses the damage rendered due to the ongoing conflict in the district.

1.1.1 Primary and secondary data collection For primary data collection, which is mostly qualitative, a range of PRA techniques in

combination with structured instruments are utilized. They include semi structured

interviews, Focused Group Discussions, transects, camera work and key informant

interviews. The later were particularly useful for discussions with district administration

officials and key social service delivery institutions. A couple of Focused Group

Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in two key locations, key informant interviews

were held with health & education sector officials, and semi structured interviews

conducted with community leaders, Nazims, and other government functionaries.

Since the primary data collection was curtailed due to multiple factors, the report takes

insights from statistical bureau's statistics, both national and provincial. In particular for

01Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Pakistan is going through one of the most challenging times in its tumultuous history. Just in less

the three years, conflict in NWFP and FATA has resulted in death of hundreds of civilians and law

enforcement personnel, disrupted and displaced millions across the province and adjacent tribal

territories and a pervasive fear and uncertainty regarding the safety and security of life and future

in the land.

The government, international agencies and local organizations teamed up in humanitarian

relief and initial reconstruction process in conflict areas. Local communities actively

participated in housing hundreds of displaced families in their homes. There is now an increased

focus with more resources and broad consensus about the rehabilitation of the affected areas.

One of the foremost prerequisite for any development process is availability of accurate social

statistics and base line information about the target areas. The present series of district

assessments stems from the express need of development agencies and policy professionals to

have a concise and handy document as a starting point for planning and designing of

humanitarian and development interventions. The report made use of available government and

independent datasets and where available, utilized multiple sources and methodologies to

include a broader range of information. CPPR is in the process of refining the present

methodology and would be highly appreciative of constructive feedback and inputs from the

professionals and organizations. The Centre plans to extend this series further to key districts of

NWFP and neighboring tribal territories of the country. We will continue to strive for

improvement and betterment of our collective understanding in this regard.

Javed Iqbal and Zafar HabibSeries Editors

Introduction 1

Page 8: Buner Report

quantitative data the census for 1998 for Buner District, and statistics from NWFP

bureau of Statistics is utilised and values extrapolated. Help has also been sought from a

draft rapid assessment carried out by the International Medical Corp's in Buner and a

health survey by Paiman. The NWFP development statistics 2008 was a handy resource.

1.1.2 Statistical Rigour and Survey LimitationsThe research team for most part relied on PRA techniques due to security constrains,

inaccessible areas, armed clashes in certain locations, and a general discouragement by

the authorities to conduct any kind of surveys.

The statistical rigour required for such essential assessment could not be practiced in the

field. Though the Center initially drafted specific questionnaires, FGD themes, and

identified key informant list, not much could be put into practice. The report is thus an

intelligent mix of primary and secondary data analysis providing key insights into social

services, economic sectors, and damage assessment.

1.2 LAYOUT OF THE REPORTSection 1, 2, and 3 presents a baseline on Buner covering the administrative set up,

physical and biological diversity, basic demographics, and a history of Buner and

insurgency in the area.

Sections 4 and 5 discuss the status of civic amenities and economic profile of the district

in detail. In the process, some initial estimates are made available on the costs and

impacts of damages to the social infrastructure and economy of the area due to the

ongoing insurgency in the region.

Section 6 briefly presents the social organization of District Buner followed by an initial

poverty profile in section 7.

Each section and sub section is followed with a brief damage assessment.

1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE SET UPBuner was initially a sub-division of district Swat. It was upgraded to the district status in

1991, with a total 1865 Sq.Km. For administrative and revenue purpose, each district in

NWFP is divided into tehsil, qanungo circles, patwar circles and Mouzas. However, for

Buner, Shnagla, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Chitral, Malkanad agency and Kohistan districts,

each district is divided into tehsil, tehsils into Union Councils and Union Councils into

villages. Buner is divided into Daggar, Gadezai, Chagharzai, Totalye, Chamla and Gagra

tehsils and further into 27 Union Councils.

1

03Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 02Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

1.3.1 Location The District of Buner lies between 34-9 and 34-43 N latitude and 72-10 and 72-47 E

longitude located at a distance of 120 km from Peshawar. It is bounded on the North by

Swat district, on the West by Malakand Agency, on the South by Mardan District, on the

East by River Indus and Hazara Division and on the north-east by Swabi District.

Key statistics:

Indicator Statistic

Total Area 1,865 Sq. Km

Location N34 3-11' to 34-43 North Latitudes and E072-13 to 72-45' East longitudes

Boundaries North: Swat and Shangla distrits. West: Malakand agency and Mardan district.South: Swabi DistrictEast: Indus River, Haripur and Mansehra Districts

Total Population 506,048 (50% Male & 50% Female)

Average Growth rate 3.9%

Population Density 271 persons/ Sq. Km

Major Occupation Agriculture, Daily Labor (mostly in mining, marble factories) retail, Business and Government Service

Religion Muslims 99.5%, Ahmadis 0.3% and Hindus 0.1%

Mother Tongue Pashto 96.6% and Urdu 0.2% (Generally people understand Urdu easily as this also the official language)

Disabled Population 2.90%

Literacy Ratio 22.60%

Major Industry Mining and Marble factories

Un-employment 18.50%

Total housing units 55,860

Climate Varies with elevation and may be classified as dry sub-tropical. Winter season of four to five months. Summer season of seven to eight months with moon soon rains in summer.

Major Crops Kharif: Maize, Rice, Sugar Cane, tobaccoRabi: Wheat, Barley, Rape & Mustard, Onion

1.4 PHYSICAL FEATURESThe district has rich physical features ranging from mountains, valleys, plain areas,

forests, meadows with a diverse climate.

Page 9: Buner Report

quantitative data the census for 1998 for Buner District, and statistics from NWFP

bureau of Statistics is utilised and values extrapolated. Help has also been sought from a

draft rapid assessment carried out by the International Medical Corp's in Buner and a

health survey by Paiman. The NWFP development statistics 2008 was a handy resource.

1.1.2 Statistical Rigour and Survey LimitationsThe research team for most part relied on PRA techniques due to security constrains,

inaccessible areas, armed clashes in certain locations, and a general discouragement by

the authorities to conduct any kind of surveys.

The statistical rigour required for such essential assessment could not be practiced in the

field. Though the Center initially drafted specific questionnaires, FGD themes, and

identified key informant list, not much could be put into practice. The report is thus an

intelligent mix of primary and secondary data analysis providing key insights into social

services, economic sectors, and damage assessment.

1.2 LAYOUT OF THE REPORTSection 1, 2, and 3 presents a baseline on Buner covering the administrative set up,

physical and biological diversity, basic demographics, and a history of Buner and

insurgency in the area.

Sections 4 and 5 discuss the status of civic amenities and economic profile of the district

in detail. In the process, some initial estimates are made available on the costs and

impacts of damages to the social infrastructure and economy of the area due to the

ongoing insurgency in the region.

Section 6 briefly presents the social organization of District Buner followed by an initial

poverty profile in section 7.

Each section and sub section is followed with a brief damage assessment.

1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE SET UPBuner was initially a sub-division of district Swat. It was upgraded to the district status in

1991, with a total 1865 Sq.Km. For administrative and revenue purpose, each district in

NWFP is divided into tehsil, qanungo circles, patwar circles and Mouzas. However, for

Buner, Shnagla, Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Chitral, Malkanad agency and Kohistan districts,

each district is divided into tehsil, tehsils into Union Councils and Union Councils into

villages. Buner is divided into Daggar, Gadezai, Chagharzai, Totalye, Chamla and Gagra

tehsils and further into 27 Union Councils.

1

03Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 02Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

1.3.1 Location The District of Buner lies between 34-9 and 34-43 N latitude and 72-10 and 72-47 E

longitude located at a distance of 120 km from Peshawar. It is bounded on the North by

Swat district, on the West by Malakand Agency, on the South by Mardan District, on the

East by River Indus and Hazara Division and on the north-east by Swabi District.

Key statistics:

Indicator Statistic

Total Area 1,865 Sq. Km

Location N34 3-11' to 34-43 North Latitudes and E072-13 to 72-45' East longitudes

Boundaries North: Swat and Shangla distrits. West: Malakand agency and Mardan district.South: Swabi DistrictEast: Indus River, Haripur and Mansehra Districts

Total Population 506,048 (50% Male & 50% Female)

Average Growth rate 3.9%

Population Density 271 persons/ Sq. Km

Major Occupation Agriculture, Daily Labor (mostly in mining, marble factories) retail, Business and Government Service

Religion Muslims 99.5%, Ahmadis 0.3% and Hindus 0.1%

Mother Tongue Pashto 96.6% and Urdu 0.2% (Generally people understand Urdu easily as this also the official language)

Disabled Population 2.90%

Literacy Ratio 22.60%

Major Industry Mining and Marble factories

Un-employment 18.50%

Total housing units 55,860

Climate Varies with elevation and may be classified as dry sub-tropical. Winter season of four to five months. Summer season of seven to eight months with moon soon rains in summer.

Major Crops Kharif: Maize, Rice, Sugar Cane, tobaccoRabi: Wheat, Barley, Rape & Mustard, Onion

1.4 PHYSICAL FEATURESThe district has rich physical features ranging from mountains, valleys, plain areas,

forests, meadows with a diverse climate.

Page 10: Buner Report

Local people have high dependency on these forests to meet their construction and other

requirements such as firewood, fodder requirements, etc. About 30 years ago during the

era of Wali-e-Swat, the area was known for its best forests. Those forests comprised Chir,

Sanatha, Olive, Phulai, etc. At that time, road network was rudimentary. After merging

the area with Pakistan, road network was developed and administrative control became

loose that led to over exploitation of forests. In addition to that, few locals and non-locals

started illegal timber business. Resultantly, forests were damaged just in two decades.

Seasonal Ajars (nomadic grazers) have also played their role in forest depletion.

However, the locals have started meeting their firewood needs from the trees planted

along the boundaries of their agricultural fields. During the intervening period of

harvesting and sowing the agricultural crops, livestock is left open in the agricultural

fields for free grazing. This practice causes heavy damage to the plants growing along the

boundaries of the agricultural fields. Due to destruction of dense forests, the remaining

forests comprise scattered trees. With the ever-increasing population pressure, locals

were forced to think over the situation, but no joint efforts/decisions were made.

1.5 MAJOR TOWNS & PLACES OF INTERESTKarakar is located 34 kms south of Saidu Sharif at an elevation of 1336 meters. It is a

major tourist resort presenting a good view of the valley. There is a rest house for tourists

on the hilltop.

Dagger is the main town of the district. It is situated along Barandu river and houses

government offices, banks, educational institutions and health facilities. Some

government offices and a government degree college are also located at Sawarai, the

main trade and commercial centre of the district.

Ambela which witnessed unprecedented destruction is a mountainous pass that enters

the District from Mardan. This place has historical significance with reference to Ranjit

Singh's famous victory in 1863. Standing on the Ambela pass the whole valley up to the

areas of Chamla tehsil, Daggar and Gagra are visible.

1

1.4.1 ClimateThe overall climate of Buner can be termed as dry sub-tropical with mostly pleasant

weather throughout the year. Winter lasts for 4-5 months with mild harshness while the

summers are mildly torrid. Snowfall on mountains peak is common. There are two main

rainy seasons; the winter rains in the Rabi season between November and May, and the

summer monsoon in the Kharif season providing necessary water for respective crops.

Tobacco and wheat are Rabi crops while sugarcane and Maize are the main Kharif crops.

The average rainfall is approximately 30 inches in the area.

1.4.2 MountainsBuner is bounded by mountains on all four sides with the highest elevation of Dosara

peak (2911 meters) in the North and lowest at Totalai (366 meters). The surface terrain

for most part is rugged and uneven. Most of the rocky material is composed of Barandee,

granites and quartz.

These mountains are providing livelihoods to local people in the form of rudimentary but

growing marble and mineral industry.

1.4.3 RiversNo major river passes through Buner and agriculture is mostly rain fed with some

pockets where underground water is available. There are number of springs and streams

that provide water for domestic use and irrigation. Barandq stream (flowing from Dosara

mountain) is the most important water line as it connects with all major villages

eventually falling into the Indus. Other famous streams (locally known Khwar) include

Chamla Khawar, Khadukhel Khawar, Nagrai, and Bar Borai.

The famous valleys of Buner include Elum, Gokand, Salarzi, Chagharzi and Amazi.

These scenic valleys have great potential for tourism but the government has yet to

devise a strategy for tourism promotion here.

1.4.4 Flora, Fauna & ForestsBuner's mountainous areas are famous for a variety of medicinal herbs. Some of the

important varieties include; ananguanay (wild pomegranate), Bakyana (Persian Lilac),

Inzer (figs), and tut (mulberry). Some common found faunal species include Goral,

Markhor, grey partridge, black partridge, jackal, and monkey.

The total forested area of Buner is 32,102 hectares. Buner district falls in the subtropical

ecological zone with warm summers and mild winters. Generally, forest condition is

very weak. Main forest types are scrubs (Acacia, Kahu, Sanatha, etc.,) at lower elevation

and Chir pines at higher elevation.

1

05Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 04Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 11: Buner Report

Local people have high dependency on these forests to meet their construction and other

requirements such as firewood, fodder requirements, etc. About 30 years ago during the

era of Wali-e-Swat, the area was known for its best forests. Those forests comprised Chir,

Sanatha, Olive, Phulai, etc. At that time, road network was rudimentary. After merging

the area with Pakistan, road network was developed and administrative control became

loose that led to over exploitation of forests. In addition to that, few locals and non-locals

started illegal timber business. Resultantly, forests were damaged just in two decades.

Seasonal Ajars (nomadic grazers) have also played their role in forest depletion.

However, the locals have started meeting their firewood needs from the trees planted

along the boundaries of their agricultural fields. During the intervening period of

harvesting and sowing the agricultural crops, livestock is left open in the agricultural

fields for free grazing. This practice causes heavy damage to the plants growing along the

boundaries of the agricultural fields. Due to destruction of dense forests, the remaining

forests comprise scattered trees. With the ever-increasing population pressure, locals

were forced to think over the situation, but no joint efforts/decisions were made.

1.5 MAJOR TOWNS & PLACES OF INTERESTKarakar is located 34 kms south of Saidu Sharif at an elevation of 1336 meters. It is a

major tourist resort presenting a good view of the valley. There is a rest house for tourists

on the hilltop.

Dagger is the main town of the district. It is situated along Barandu river and houses

government offices, banks, educational institutions and health facilities. Some

government offices and a government degree college are also located at Sawarai, the

main trade and commercial centre of the district.

Ambela which witnessed unprecedented destruction is a mountainous pass that enters

the District from Mardan. This place has historical significance with reference to Ranjit

Singh's famous victory in 1863. Standing on the Ambela pass the whole valley up to the

areas of Chamla tehsil, Daggar and Gagra are visible.

1

1.4.1 ClimateThe overall climate of Buner can be termed as dry sub-tropical with mostly pleasant

weather throughout the year. Winter lasts for 4-5 months with mild harshness while the

summers are mildly torrid. Snowfall on mountains peak is common. There are two main

rainy seasons; the winter rains in the Rabi season between November and May, and the

summer monsoon in the Kharif season providing necessary water for respective crops.

Tobacco and wheat are Rabi crops while sugarcane and Maize are the main Kharif crops.

The average rainfall is approximately 30 inches in the area.

1.4.2 MountainsBuner is bounded by mountains on all four sides with the highest elevation of Dosara

peak (2911 meters) in the North and lowest at Totalai (366 meters). The surface terrain

for most part is rugged and uneven. Most of the rocky material is composed of Barandee,

granites and quartz.

These mountains are providing livelihoods to local people in the form of rudimentary but

growing marble and mineral industry.

1.4.3 RiversNo major river passes through Buner and agriculture is mostly rain fed with some

pockets where underground water is available. There are number of springs and streams

that provide water for domestic use and irrigation. Barandq stream (flowing from Dosara

mountain) is the most important water line as it connects with all major villages

eventually falling into the Indus. Other famous streams (locally known Khwar) include

Chamla Khawar, Khadukhel Khawar, Nagrai, and Bar Borai.

The famous valleys of Buner include Elum, Gokand, Salarzi, Chagharzi and Amazi.

These scenic valleys have great potential for tourism but the government has yet to

devise a strategy for tourism promotion here.

1.4.4 Flora, Fauna & ForestsBuner's mountainous areas are famous for a variety of medicinal herbs. Some of the

important varieties include; ananguanay (wild pomegranate), Bakyana (Persian Lilac),

Inzer (figs), and tut (mulberry). Some common found faunal species include Goral,

Markhor, grey partridge, black partridge, jackal, and monkey.

The total forested area of Buner is 32,102 hectares. Buner district falls in the subtropical

ecological zone with warm summers and mild winters. Generally, forest condition is

very weak. Main forest types are scrubs (Acacia, Kahu, Sanatha, etc.,) at lower elevation

and Chir pines at higher elevation.

1

05Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 04Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 12: Buner Report

2.3 SETTLEMENTS AND HOUSING PATTERNSLike other parts of rural Pakistan, settlements are not planned. Most of the smaller

villages hold homogenous populations. However as the size of community increases in

terms of households, the population gets heterogeneous. This pattern was observed from

key informant interviews held with the inhabitants of Sultanwas, Laghara, Anghapur,

Bazargai and Shalbandai and by spending 3 days and nights in a village.

A prototype house consists of two to three rooms with a covered front and open yard. Kitchens are usually katcha or semi pacca. One indicator on Paiman's survey was the material used for the construction of roof which returns the following results;

60% of the roofs are made of a combination of wood/bamboo and mud, 27% have

concrete roofs while 13% use iron sheets.

Remittances play a major role in improving living conditions of households whose

members are working abroad, particularly in Malaysia and Gulf states. The houses are

decorated both from the outside and inside with marble and other ornamental stones.

The 1998 census report for Buner presents the following indices of congestion in a

household.

Table 6-1: Housing indices at a glance

2.4 GENDERWomen's participation in the commercial activities in the district is almost non existent.

The primary data collected shows no sectors currently employing women. This

discussion is meant to elaborate why women are not part of the regular work force and

how there visibility can be enhanced for a balanced development of the district.

Women's participation and contribution to the economic affairs of the district was

categorized as minimal by both FGD participants and key informants. The same trend

came to the fore from the primary data collection exercise. Traditionally women have not

participated in commercial activities for a number of reasons. Their economic activity,

1

2.1 SOCIETY AND CULTURE The social living is characterized by a strong love for the motherland, language and local

traditions. The society is for the most part ethnically homogenous and egalitarian. The

majority of the population belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam. Buner presents a picture of

tolerant society where local folk music has blended with cultural norms into a

harmonious whole.

However Sikhs and Hindus are also living here since long. Hindu and Sikh minorities

observe local socio-cultural values and feel proud to be called as Pashtuns. Most of them

are wealthy businessmen and own electronics and cloth shops in the busy markets of Pir

Baba, Diwana Baba and Suwari. At the onset of the current military operation on April

28, 2009 just like their local counterparts, most of the Hindus and Sikhs have been

displaced from their homes and have migrated to other parts of the country. Majority of

the population speak Pashto (95.5%). A minority of “Ajars” and “Gujars” seasonally

visiting Buner also speak Ajari and Gujari. Majority of the people dress themselves in the

traditional Shalwar Qameez.

2.2 TRIBES AND RACESMajority of the district's population is descended from the Yousufzai tribes of Pashtuns.

They are divided into Khels (clans) and Sub-Khels (Sub-clans). Apart from the

Yousafzais other tribes include Mandar, Syed, Gujar and Sikhs.

The Yousafzai are inhibiting this part of the land from ages. Major sub tribes of the

Yousafzai's are spread throughout the District. If we could map Buner on the tribal lines

the spatial distribution of various tribes would be as follows; Gadazai in the north,

Salarzai in the west, Ashaizai and Dawalatzai in the center, Naurayzai in the center west,

and chagarzai in the eastern part.

Locals during focused group discussions said that generally people prefer to marry

within their “khels”, however some of the youth who work abroad have also married to

women of foreign nationalities, mainly Malaysians. Buner is a male-dominated area and

women play little role in decision making. In some areas of Salarzai women work in the

fields and contribute to the economic gains of their families.

Like all other societies, family holds the key to child socialization. In addition to

informal learning of the cultural and societal norms, the child is sent to religious

institutions (madrassas) for getting religious education. Formal schooling is also stressed

to a greater degree. Most of the old men are uneducated but they seriously pursue their

children education.

07Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 06Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

2 Social Organization & Institutions

Specs No/%age

Persons per housing unit 9

Persons per room 4.3

Rooms per housing unit 2.1

Housing units with 1 room (%) 39

Housing units with 2-4 rooms (%) 55

Housing units with 5 or more rooms (%) 6

Source: District Census Report (1998), Buner

Page 13: Buner Report

2.3 SETTLEMENTS AND HOUSING PATTERNSLike other parts of rural Pakistan, settlements are not planned. Most of the smaller

villages hold homogenous populations. However as the size of community increases in

terms of households, the population gets heterogeneous. This pattern was observed from

key informant interviews held with the inhabitants of Sultanwas, Laghara, Anghapur,

Bazargai and Shalbandai and by spending 3 days and nights in a village.

A prototype house consists of two to three rooms with a covered front and open yard. Kitchens are usually katcha or semi pacca. One indicator on Paiman's survey was the material used for the construction of roof which returns the following results;

60% of the roofs are made of a combination of wood/bamboo and mud, 27% have

concrete roofs while 13% use iron sheets.

Remittances play a major role in improving living conditions of households whose

members are working abroad, particularly in Malaysia and Gulf states. The houses are

decorated both from the outside and inside with marble and other ornamental stones.

The 1998 census report for Buner presents the following indices of congestion in a

household.

Table 6-1: Housing indices at a glance

2.4 GENDERWomen's participation in the commercial activities in the district is almost non existent.

The primary data collected shows no sectors currently employing women. This

discussion is meant to elaborate why women are not part of the regular work force and

how there visibility can be enhanced for a balanced development of the district.

Women's participation and contribution to the economic affairs of the district was

categorized as minimal by both FGD participants and key informants. The same trend

came to the fore from the primary data collection exercise. Traditionally women have not

participated in commercial activities for a number of reasons. Their economic activity,

1

2.1 SOCIETY AND CULTURE The social living is characterized by a strong love for the motherland, language and local

traditions. The society is for the most part ethnically homogenous and egalitarian. The

majority of the population belongs to the Sunni sect of Islam. Buner presents a picture of

tolerant society where local folk music has blended with cultural norms into a

harmonious whole.

However Sikhs and Hindus are also living here since long. Hindu and Sikh minorities

observe local socio-cultural values and feel proud to be called as Pashtuns. Most of them

are wealthy businessmen and own electronics and cloth shops in the busy markets of Pir

Baba, Diwana Baba and Suwari. At the onset of the current military operation on April

28, 2009 just like their local counterparts, most of the Hindus and Sikhs have been

displaced from their homes and have migrated to other parts of the country. Majority of

the population speak Pashto (95.5%). A minority of “Ajars” and “Gujars” seasonally

visiting Buner also speak Ajari and Gujari. Majority of the people dress themselves in the

traditional Shalwar Qameez.

2.2 TRIBES AND RACESMajority of the district's population is descended from the Yousufzai tribes of Pashtuns.

They are divided into Khels (clans) and Sub-Khels (Sub-clans). Apart from the

Yousafzais other tribes include Mandar, Syed, Gujar and Sikhs.

The Yousafzai are inhibiting this part of the land from ages. Major sub tribes of the

Yousafzai's are spread throughout the District. If we could map Buner on the tribal lines

the spatial distribution of various tribes would be as follows; Gadazai in the north,

Salarzai in the west, Ashaizai and Dawalatzai in the center, Naurayzai in the center west,

and chagarzai in the eastern part.

Locals during focused group discussions said that generally people prefer to marry

within their “khels”, however some of the youth who work abroad have also married to

women of foreign nationalities, mainly Malaysians. Buner is a male-dominated area and

women play little role in decision making. In some areas of Salarzai women work in the

fields and contribute to the economic gains of their families.

Like all other societies, family holds the key to child socialization. In addition to

informal learning of the cultural and societal norms, the child is sent to religious

institutions (madrassas) for getting religious education. Formal schooling is also stressed

to a greater degree. Most of the old men are uneducated but they seriously pursue their

children education.

07Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 06Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

2 Social Organization & Institutions

Specs No/%age

Persons per housing unit 9

Persons per room 4.3

Rooms per housing unit 2.1

Housing units with 1 room (%) 39

Housing units with 2-4 rooms (%) 55

Housing units with 5 or more rooms (%) 6

Source: District Census Report (1998), Buner

Page 14: Buner Report

like poultry and live stock rearing has remained confined to indoors. Their role in

economic decision-making is less than that of other regions. A large male workforce is

working abroad mostly in Malaysia and Gulf States. Absent males usually translates into

bigger roles for women and the incidence of women holding on to assets is common.

The FGDs participants discussed the sectors that could possibly support more women

employment. One distinctly clear area is livestock. The participants agreed that most of

the work related to animal husbandry inside the house is performed by woman. It

includes feed, wash, and milking the animals. Bringing fodder home is, for most part,

remains the responsibility of men. In some areas though, people do keep bigger herds and

are kept on family's farms for most of the time.

Poultry is found in almost every household. Women and children care for them but it is

not a commercialized activity.

There is a vast potential of employment creation in the poultry and livestock sector. Bee

keeping is also becoming an enterprise in some villages and women's role in such

enterprise can be contemplated. Horticulture and kitchen gardens are other examples of

activities where women's role can be enhanced. In villages, women can also be

accommodated in small retail businesses.

2.5 INSTITUTIONSUnder the local government system introduced in 2001, District Nazim as an elected

representative heads the district. The District Coordinating Officer (DCO) is the

executive head. There are respective Executive District Officers (EDO) and District

officers (DO). The DPO is directly under the office of the District Nazim.

Apart from the five Marble associations in the district, no other sector presents any

semblance of collectivism. There are transport associations confined to particular addas

(bus terminals/stands). The agriculture sector also is ill organized where some of the self

proclaimed representatives (bigger landlords) participate in district and province level

sporadic meetings.

Some of the public support organizations exist but only confined to their offices with no

recorded activity. For example, the research team found the office of the agricultural

extension department locked on each three visits.

2.6 NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONSThere are a number of international NGOs and UN agencies operating in Buner. These

include Save the children (UK), Islamic Relief, Care International, World Vision and

Merlyn. The World Food Program is still working in the district mostly on food items.

11

08Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

National and Provincial level NGOs include IDEA, Al-Khidmat foundation, IRSP,

PEACE and SPO etc. are currently involved in the rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Al-khidmat foundation, in particular, has been instrumental initially in helping fleeing

IDPs from the area and providing food to people trapped inside the district. Then

onwards, it is still working in the district on the intra-district displaced people. Amongst

the district's level NGOs, Rahbar, Bahar, Jirga and RDO have done some work in the

past.

09Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 15: Buner Report

like poultry and live stock rearing has remained confined to indoors. Their role in

economic decision-making is less than that of other regions. A large male workforce is

working abroad mostly in Malaysia and Gulf States. Absent males usually translates into

bigger roles for women and the incidence of women holding on to assets is common.

The FGDs participants discussed the sectors that could possibly support more women

employment. One distinctly clear area is livestock. The participants agreed that most of

the work related to animal husbandry inside the house is performed by woman. It

includes feed, wash, and milking the animals. Bringing fodder home is, for most part,

remains the responsibility of men. In some areas though, people do keep bigger herds and

are kept on family's farms for most of the time.

Poultry is found in almost every household. Women and children care for them but it is

not a commercialized activity.

There is a vast potential of employment creation in the poultry and livestock sector. Bee

keeping is also becoming an enterprise in some villages and women's role in such

enterprise can be contemplated. Horticulture and kitchen gardens are other examples of

activities where women's role can be enhanced. In villages, women can also be

accommodated in small retail businesses.

2.5 INSTITUTIONSUnder the local government system introduced in 2001, District Nazim as an elected

representative heads the district. The District Coordinating Officer (DCO) is the

executive head. There are respective Executive District Officers (EDO) and District

officers (DO). The DPO is directly under the office of the District Nazim.

Apart from the five Marble associations in the district, no other sector presents any

semblance of collectivism. There are transport associations confined to particular addas

(bus terminals/stands). The agriculture sector also is ill organized where some of the self

proclaimed representatives (bigger landlords) participate in district and province level

sporadic meetings.

Some of the public support organizations exist but only confined to their offices with no

recorded activity. For example, the research team found the office of the agricultural

extension department locked on each three visits.

2.6 NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONSThere are a number of international NGOs and UN agencies operating in Buner. These

include Save the children (UK), Islamic Relief, Care International, World Vision and

Merlyn. The World Food Program is still working in the district mostly on food items.

11

08Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

National and Provincial level NGOs include IDEA, Al-Khidmat foundation, IRSP,

PEACE and SPO etc. are currently involved in the rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Al-khidmat foundation, in particular, has been instrumental initially in helping fleeing

IDPs from the area and providing food to people trapped inside the district. Then

onwards, it is still working in the district on the intra-district displaced people. Amongst

the district's level NGOs, Rahbar, Bahar, Jirga and RDO have done some work in the

past.

09Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 16: Buner Report

11Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Brief Historical Overview and1Prelude to the Conflict

3

3.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXTThere is no consensus on the meaning of the name Buner or on its origins. However the

overwhelming consensus points to its Sanskrit origin which means forest.

The area has great historical and cultural significance and has been remained a passage of

different invaders during different periods of time from 327 BC to 1863 AD. Alexander's

Armies passed through the area in 326-327 BC. In 1587 Armies of King Akbar fought

against locals in, while British Armies fought famous Ambela fight against Yousafzai

tribes in 1863. In all these battles the local tribesmen caused huge loses to the invading

armies.

Buner was an independent territory under the control of local Feudal Lords (Khans) and

the day to day affairs were managed under the code of Pashtunwali (Pashtuns' code of

life). It is generally known as the Era of Pashto.

In 1922 it was annexed with Swat State and remained part of it till 1969. The Yousafzai

State of Swat under the rule of Miangul Abdul Wadood and then his son Miangul Abdul

Haq Jehanzeb was merged into Pakistan on July 29, 1969. The benevolent rulers of Swat

state established a network of educational institutions and basic health units in almost all

parts of Buner and provided speedy justice to the people. However, after its merger into

Pakistan, less attention has been paid to the development of the area by sucssive

administrations.

Buner is also famous for the Shrines of Sayed Ali Tarmazi alias Pir Baba, Diwana Baba

and Pir Mehmod Baba of Shalbandi. Every summer thousands of pilgrims from all over

the tribal areas and settled districts of NWFP visit these shrines. However after Taliban's

rising influence in the region this tradition is dying out.

3.2 PRELIMINARY CONFLICT AND SECURITY ASSESSMENTBuner was one of the districts with lowest crime rates in NWFP. The traditional values of

hospitality, inter-dependence, tolerance and peaceful co-existence governed socio-

political, economic and cultural life in the valley. The society accommodated all types of

religious groups including Hindus and Sikhs and a large number of Afghan refugees and

provided them with opportunities for development. In some areas places of worships for

Muslims and Non-Muslims were constructed side by side.

In 1990s when Maulana Sufi Muhammad launched the Movement for the enforcement

of Muhammadan Law (TNSM), he also held gatherings in Buner to get support from the

1 This section in large part has been contributed by Shaheen Buneri, a Peshawar based Journalist associated with the British Broadcasting Services (BBC)

10Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

local communities. A small portion of the local population mainly from the hilly areas

extended support to Sufi Muhammad.

In 1994 the incumbent government of Benazir Bhutto took action against the supporters

of TNSM for violating law of the land and blocking the main route connecting Buner

with Mardan. The military action resulted into the death of 6-8 TNSM supporters in

Buner. It was the biggest incident of violence in the modern history of Buner, till the

Taliban influenced chaos in 2008.

Since then Maulana Sufi Muhammad lost popularity in the valley and the people

condemned him for harming the peaceful atmosphere in the district. Soon his influence

was restricted to the hilly areas of Gokand valley and certain parts of Chagharzai Tehsil.

With the rise of Maulana Fazlullah, a cleric turned militant commander and son in law of

Maulana Sufi Muhammad in mid 2006 the neighbouring Swat valley came under the

influence of an extremist religious thought. Soon he spread his brand of Islam to other

parts of the Swat valley and started recruiting youth for Jihad against the US-sponsored

Pakistan security forces.

In 2007 he established training camps and started the construction of huge complex at

Imam Dheri (Swat) close to Mingora city. Through his illegal radio station Maulana

Fazlullah was able to collect donation of millions of Pakistani Rupees and huge quantity

of Gold.

The red mosque incident further intensified Fazlullah's campaign. He announced a so-

called Islamic system in his area of influence and started resolving people feuds in his

courts. The whole Swat valley plunged into an un-ending series of suicide bomb blasts,

targeted killings and bomb attacks on public places.

On August 4, 2008, unidentified militants killed a police officer in Gadezi Tehsil. On

August 08, 2008, a group of Taliban militants attacked a police Station in Kingar Galai

Buner and killed 8 policemen. Taliban spokesman in Swat accepted responsibility for the

attack. On August 11, 2008 a huge gathering of Buner people held a Jirga in SuSuwari

and unanimously decided not to allow Taliban in the valley. On August 13, 2008 a tribal

Lashkar killed six militants led by Taliban commander Kamran Khan, in Shalbandi

village of Buner. Taliban announced to avenge the killing. Though some Taliban fighters

remained active in Buner and attacked police stations and girls' schools, their strength

has been weakened after losing their commander.

On December 28, 2008 a suicide bomber rammed his explosive laden car in a school

building in Shalbandi village of Buner and killed 44 people including 15 children.

Taliban Spokesman Haji Muslim Khan claimed responsibility for the attack and said that

Page 17: Buner Report

11Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Brief Historical Overview and1Prelude to the Conflict

3

3.1 HISTORICAL CONTEXTThere is no consensus on the meaning of the name Buner or on its origins. However the

overwhelming consensus points to its Sanskrit origin which means forest.

The area has great historical and cultural significance and has been remained a passage of

different invaders during different periods of time from 327 BC to 1863 AD. Alexander's

Armies passed through the area in 326-327 BC. In 1587 Armies of King Akbar fought

against locals in, while British Armies fought famous Ambela fight against Yousafzai

tribes in 1863. In all these battles the local tribesmen caused huge loses to the invading

armies.

Buner was an independent territory under the control of local Feudal Lords (Khans) and

the day to day affairs were managed under the code of Pashtunwali (Pashtuns' code of

life). It is generally known as the Era of Pashto.

In 1922 it was annexed with Swat State and remained part of it till 1969. The Yousafzai

State of Swat under the rule of Miangul Abdul Wadood and then his son Miangul Abdul

Haq Jehanzeb was merged into Pakistan on July 29, 1969. The benevolent rulers of Swat

state established a network of educational institutions and basic health units in almost all

parts of Buner and provided speedy justice to the people. However, after its merger into

Pakistan, less attention has been paid to the development of the area by sucssive

administrations.

Buner is also famous for the Shrines of Sayed Ali Tarmazi alias Pir Baba, Diwana Baba

and Pir Mehmod Baba of Shalbandi. Every summer thousands of pilgrims from all over

the tribal areas and settled districts of NWFP visit these shrines. However after Taliban's

rising influence in the region this tradition is dying out.

3.2 PRELIMINARY CONFLICT AND SECURITY ASSESSMENTBuner was one of the districts with lowest crime rates in NWFP. The traditional values of

hospitality, inter-dependence, tolerance and peaceful co-existence governed socio-

political, economic and cultural life in the valley. The society accommodated all types of

religious groups including Hindus and Sikhs and a large number of Afghan refugees and

provided them with opportunities for development. In some areas places of worships for

Muslims and Non-Muslims were constructed side by side.

In 1990s when Maulana Sufi Muhammad launched the Movement for the enforcement

of Muhammadan Law (TNSM), he also held gatherings in Buner to get support from the

1 This section in large part has been contributed by Shaheen Buneri, a Peshawar based Journalist associated with the British Broadcasting Services (BBC)

10Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

local communities. A small portion of the local population mainly from the hilly areas

extended support to Sufi Muhammad.

In 1994 the incumbent government of Benazir Bhutto took action against the supporters

of TNSM for violating law of the land and blocking the main route connecting Buner

with Mardan. The military action resulted into the death of 6-8 TNSM supporters in

Buner. It was the biggest incident of violence in the modern history of Buner, till the

Taliban influenced chaos in 2008.

Since then Maulana Sufi Muhammad lost popularity in the valley and the people

condemned him for harming the peaceful atmosphere in the district. Soon his influence

was restricted to the hilly areas of Gokand valley and certain parts of Chagharzai Tehsil.

With the rise of Maulana Fazlullah, a cleric turned militant commander and son in law of

Maulana Sufi Muhammad in mid 2006 the neighbouring Swat valley came under the

influence of an extremist religious thought. Soon he spread his brand of Islam to other

parts of the Swat valley and started recruiting youth for Jihad against the US-sponsored

Pakistan security forces.

In 2007 he established training camps and started the construction of huge complex at

Imam Dheri (Swat) close to Mingora city. Through his illegal radio station Maulana

Fazlullah was able to collect donation of millions of Pakistani Rupees and huge quantity

of Gold.

The red mosque incident further intensified Fazlullah's campaign. He announced a so-

called Islamic system in his area of influence and started resolving people feuds in his

courts. The whole Swat valley plunged into an un-ending series of suicide bomb blasts,

targeted killings and bomb attacks on public places.

On August 4, 2008, unidentified militants killed a police officer in Gadezi Tehsil. On

August 08, 2008, a group of Taliban militants attacked a police Station in Kingar Galai

Buner and killed 8 policemen. Taliban spokesman in Swat accepted responsibility for the

attack. On August 11, 2008 a huge gathering of Buner people held a Jirga in SuSuwari

and unanimously decided not to allow Taliban in the valley. On August 13, 2008 a tribal

Lashkar killed six militants led by Taliban commander Kamran Khan, in Shalbandi

village of Buner. Taliban announced to avenge the killing. Though some Taliban fighters

remained active in Buner and attacked police stations and girls' schools, their strength

has been weakened after losing their commander.

On December 28, 2008 a suicide bomber rammed his explosive laden car in a school

building in Shalbandi village of Buner and killed 44 people including 15 children.

Taliban Spokesman Haji Muslim Khan claimed responsibility for the attack and said that

Page 18: Buner Report

it was the revenge of the killing of six militants by Shalbandi villagers.

In April 2009, about 100 militants tried to enter Buner via Gokand Valley and Qadar

Nagar pass. Locals of Sultanwas and nearby villages resisted them and killed 20 of them.

The locals decided to flee the area after repeated failed negotiations with the militants,

partially conducted through administrative officials based in Swat.

Taliban consolidated their position in Gadezi Tehsil and established check posts in

Torwarsak, Juwar, Dagger and SuSuwari areas of the district. They imposed ban on

music and ordered barbers not to involve in the un-Islamic act of shaving. Women were

also barred to visit public places. Their interference in each and every walk of life sent

shock waves among the local population.

Later on hundreds of Taliban fighters occupied the shrine of eminent saint Pir Baba and

houses of the elders of the Tribal Lashkar in Sultanwas. Due to the fear of imminent

military action people in Pir Baba, Sultanwas, Daggar and Suwarai started vacating their

homes and moving to other areas.

On April 28, 2009 the government launched a full scale military operation against

Taliban in Buner. Paramilitary fighters from the Frontier Corps backed by regular Army

units, artillery, helicopter gunships, and attack aircraft moved into Buner. Heavy clashes

erupted in Ambela, Dagger, Sultanwas and Gokand Valley. However the locals

complained that most of the people killed in the first phase of the operation were

civilians.

The conflict displaced over 75% of the District's population. The worst affected areas

include Bajkata, Diwana Baba, Matwanai, Sani Gram, Shalbandi and Kalpani in Gagara

Tehsil, Daggar, Krapa, Suwarai, Elai, Torwarsak, Anghapur and Ambela in Daggar

Tehsil, Pir Baba, Sultanwas, and Ghazikhani in Gadezi Tehsil, Chamla, Kauga, Nagrai

and Totalai in Amazai and Totalai Tehsils.

Currently operation is underway in Chagharzai Tehsil. Locals say that majority of the

people are leaving the area for safer places. The military claims that it has cleared a major

part of the district from the militants however complain that they are still visible in the

mountainous regions and pose serious threats to their security.

11

13Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 12Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

4.1 OVERVIEW th thBuner is the 11 biggest district of NWFP in terms of size and 15 in terms of population.

It has 2.85% of the NWFP's population and spans over 2.5 % of the Province land mass.

According to the 1998 census, the total population of Buner is 506,406, with a gender

ratio of 100 i.e. hundred males for hundred females. Taking the growth factor, the present

population estimate in district Buner is 740,000. 95% of the population is Muslim, with

remaining Sikhs and Hindus.

4.2 ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPUALTION The total population of Buner above 10 years of age at the time of 1998 census was

326,348 of which 159,993 were males and 166,355 females. The labour force survey for

the same year suggested that 98,098 people were available for work of which 96,305

were males and 1793 females. The employed population was 79,976 out of which 78,257

were males and 1719 females. The unemployed population was reported as 18122 with

18048 as men and 74 as women.

The total dependent population in the district at the time of 1998 census was 248695. The 2dependency ratio in Buner is 109% with a higher side for young population (102.9%)

than for the old age.

Table 3-1 Dependency ratio of District Buner (1998)

In percentages, 49.2% of the district population is below 15 years of age while 3.1%

above 65. This leaves 47.7% of working population (15-64 years) thereby suggesting a

big dependency ratio of 109.6%. See table 3-2 for age groups gender wise.

Table: 3-2: age groups and sex distribution of the population in percentages

11

Age Group Total Male Female

Under 15 49.2 51.3 47

15-49 40.8 38.2 43.4

15-64 47.7 45.3 50.2

Source: Extracted from District Census Report, 1998, Buner

Age Group Total Dependency

Ratio (%)

Child Dependency

Ratio (%)

Old age Dependency

Ratio (%)0-14 Years 15-64 Years 65 and above Years

248695 241608 15745 109.45 102.93 6.52

Source: Compiled from the 1998 District Census Reports of NWFP by Pop. Census Organization, Islamabad.

114 Demographics

2 A measure of the portion of a population which is composed of dependents (people who are too young or too old to work). The dependency ratio is equal to the number of individuals aged below 15 or above 64 divided by the number of individuals aged 15 to 64, expressed as a percentage

Page 19: Buner Report

it was the revenge of the killing of six militants by Shalbandi villagers.

In April 2009, about 100 militants tried to enter Buner via Gokand Valley and Qadar

Nagar pass. Locals of Sultanwas and nearby villages resisted them and killed 20 of them.

The locals decided to flee the area after repeated failed negotiations with the militants,

partially conducted through administrative officials based in Swat.

Taliban consolidated their position in Gadezi Tehsil and established check posts in

Torwarsak, Juwar, Dagger and SuSuwari areas of the district. They imposed ban on

music and ordered barbers not to involve in the un-Islamic act of shaving. Women were

also barred to visit public places. Their interference in each and every walk of life sent

shock waves among the local population.

Later on hundreds of Taliban fighters occupied the shrine of eminent saint Pir Baba and

houses of the elders of the Tribal Lashkar in Sultanwas. Due to the fear of imminent

military action people in Pir Baba, Sultanwas, Daggar and Suwarai started vacating their

homes and moving to other areas.

On April 28, 2009 the government launched a full scale military operation against

Taliban in Buner. Paramilitary fighters from the Frontier Corps backed by regular Army

units, artillery, helicopter gunships, and attack aircraft moved into Buner. Heavy clashes

erupted in Ambela, Dagger, Sultanwas and Gokand Valley. However the locals

complained that most of the people killed in the first phase of the operation were

civilians.

The conflict displaced over 75% of the District's population. The worst affected areas

include Bajkata, Diwana Baba, Matwanai, Sani Gram, Shalbandi and Kalpani in Gagara

Tehsil, Daggar, Krapa, Suwarai, Elai, Torwarsak, Anghapur and Ambela in Daggar

Tehsil, Pir Baba, Sultanwas, and Ghazikhani in Gadezi Tehsil, Chamla, Kauga, Nagrai

and Totalai in Amazai and Totalai Tehsils.

Currently operation is underway in Chagharzai Tehsil. Locals say that majority of the

people are leaving the area for safer places. The military claims that it has cleared a major

part of the district from the militants however complain that they are still visible in the

mountainous regions and pose serious threats to their security.

11

13Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 12Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

4.1 OVERVIEW th thBuner is the 11 biggest district of NWFP in terms of size and 15 in terms of population.

It has 2.85% of the NWFP's population and spans over 2.5 % of the Province land mass.

According to the 1998 census, the total population of Buner is 506,406, with a gender

ratio of 100 i.e. hundred males for hundred females. Taking the growth factor, the present

population estimate in district Buner is 740,000. 95% of the population is Muslim, with

remaining Sikhs and Hindus.

4.2 ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPUALTION The total population of Buner above 10 years of age at the time of 1998 census was

326,348 of which 159,993 were males and 166,355 females. The labour force survey for

the same year suggested that 98,098 people were available for work of which 96,305

were males and 1793 females. The employed population was 79,976 out of which 78,257

were males and 1719 females. The unemployed population was reported as 18122 with

18048 as men and 74 as women.

The total dependent population in the district at the time of 1998 census was 248695. The 2dependency ratio in Buner is 109% with a higher side for young population (102.9%)

than for the old age.

Table 3-1 Dependency ratio of District Buner (1998)

In percentages, 49.2% of the district population is below 15 years of age while 3.1%

above 65. This leaves 47.7% of working population (15-64 years) thereby suggesting a

big dependency ratio of 109.6%. See table 3-2 for age groups gender wise.

Table: 3-2: age groups and sex distribution of the population in percentages

11

Age Group Total Male Female

Under 15 49.2 51.3 47

15-49 40.8 38.2 43.4

15-64 47.7 45.3 50.2

Source: Extracted from District Census Report, 1998, Buner

Age Group Total Dependency

Ratio (%)

Child Dependency

Ratio (%)

Old age Dependency

Ratio (%)0-14 Years 15-64 Years 65 and above Years

248695 241608 15745 109.45 102.93 6.52

Source: Compiled from the 1998 District Census Reports of NWFP by Pop. Census Organization, Islamabad.

114 Demographics

2 A measure of the portion of a population which is composed of dependents (people who are too young or too old to work). The dependency ratio is equal to the number of individuals aged below 15 or above 64 divided by the number of individuals aged 15 to 64, expressed as a percentage

Page 20: Buner Report

4.3 DEMOGRAPHICS AND CONFLICTThe United Nation's Office for Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) with the support

NADRA suggests that 66,488 families (or 465416 individuals) have been displaced from

the district. This is almost 71% of the area's population. The report further suggests that

an estimated 30% of the population have returned to their places of origin in three months

(June 18-July 2 2009). Additionally, independent sources and data gathered by CPPR

suggests that inter-district displacement have been substantial, with confirmed number

of at least 1,069 families i.e. more than 9000 individuals displaced, primarily living with

friends and families in the cleared areas. The government has established a camp in

Sowarai for returning population but limited number of people has opted to reside in the

facility.

According to government sources as of July 2009, eight of the 27 union councils in Buner

remain insecure. ICRC assessment suggest that three areas in Buner (Daggar, Sultan

Was, and Pir Baba), had moved towards the Southern areas of the district between 17 to

27 June.

15Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 14Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

The provision of civic amenities in Buner is not at par with that of other relatively developed

districts of NWFP and the rest of Pakistan. Some of the key social infrastructure and amenities

are outlined below together with a brief assessment of the impact of conflict on health and

education sector.

5.1 HEALTHPrior to the conflict there were a total of 36 health facilities for the population of 0.74

3million people (table 3-1). Immunization rate as reported in 1998 was 68.5% with a

slightly better rate for males against female children.

Table 4-1: A Snapshot of Health Facilities in the District (as of June 2009)

The health care delivery network in the district is managed by the District Health Office

which is headed by Executive District Officer (EDO Health). The EDO Health is assisted

by the MS of DHQ hospital and THQ hospital, Coordinator National Program for FP &

PHC.

All the health units, particularly the BHUs are under-staffed. The locals reported

absenteeism as a common practice, particularly in the far-flung areas. Although the

district hospital at Daggar seems well equipped, there is a severe dearth of medicines in

remote health facilities.

All the health units, particularly the BHUs are under-staffed. The locals reported

absenteeism as a common practice, particularly in the far-flung areas. Although the

district hospital at Daggar seems well equipped, there is a severe dearth of medicines in

remote health facilities.

In 2006, there were only 60 doctors, compared to 196 and 107 doctors for Mardan and

3 Immunization rate here refers to immunization of children below 10 years of age against 6 basic diseases i.e., tuberculosis, diphtereria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles.

Health Units Number Capacity

District Headquarter hospital (DHQ) 1 200 beds

Rural Health Centers (RHC) 3 25 beds (each

Civil hospitals (CHS) 3 16 beds (each)

Basic health Units (BHUs) 19 OPD

Community Dispensaries (DS) 8 OPD

Leprosy Centers 2 OPD

Total 36

Source: EDO Health, Buner

5 Social Infrastructure and Amenities

Page 21: Buner Report

4.3 DEMOGRAPHICS AND CONFLICTThe United Nation's Office for Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) with the support

NADRA suggests that 66,488 families (or 465416 individuals) have been displaced from

the district. This is almost 71% of the area's population. The report further suggests that

an estimated 30% of the population have returned to their places of origin in three months

(June 18-July 2 2009). Additionally, independent sources and data gathered by CPPR

suggests that inter-district displacement have been substantial, with confirmed number

of at least 1,069 families i.e. more than 9000 individuals displaced, primarily living with

friends and families in the cleared areas. The government has established a camp in

Sowarai for returning population but limited number of people has opted to reside in the

facility.

According to government sources as of July 2009, eight of the 27 union councils in Buner

remain insecure. ICRC assessment suggest that three areas in Buner (Daggar, Sultan

Was, and Pir Baba), had moved towards the Southern areas of the district between 17 to

27 June.

15Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 14Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

The provision of civic amenities in Buner is not at par with that of other relatively developed

districts of NWFP and the rest of Pakistan. Some of the key social infrastructure and amenities

are outlined below together with a brief assessment of the impact of conflict on health and

education sector.

5.1 HEALTHPrior to the conflict there were a total of 36 health facilities for the population of 0.74

3million people (table 3-1). Immunization rate as reported in 1998 was 68.5% with a

slightly better rate for males against female children.

Table 4-1: A Snapshot of Health Facilities in the District (as of June 2009)

The health care delivery network in the district is managed by the District Health Office

which is headed by Executive District Officer (EDO Health). The EDO Health is assisted

by the MS of DHQ hospital and THQ hospital, Coordinator National Program for FP &

PHC.

All the health units, particularly the BHUs are under-staffed. The locals reported

absenteeism as a common practice, particularly in the far-flung areas. Although the

district hospital at Daggar seems well equipped, there is a severe dearth of medicines in

remote health facilities.

All the health units, particularly the BHUs are under-staffed. The locals reported

absenteeism as a common practice, particularly in the far-flung areas. Although the

district hospital at Daggar seems well equipped, there is a severe dearth of medicines in

remote health facilities.

In 2006, there were only 60 doctors, compared to 196 and 107 doctors for Mardan and

3 Immunization rate here refers to immunization of children below 10 years of age against 6 basic diseases i.e., tuberculosis, diphtereria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles.

Health Units Number Capacity

District Headquarter hospital (DHQ) 1 200 beds

Rural Health Centers (RHC) 3 25 beds (each

Civil hospitals (CHS) 3 16 beds (each)

Basic health Units (BHUs) 19 OPD

Community Dispensaries (DS) 8 OPD

Leprosy Centers 2 OPD

Total 36

Source: EDO Health, Buner

5 Social Infrastructure and Amenities

Page 22: Buner Report

Swabi respectively. Four dental surgeons, 45 compounders, 37 nurses, 22 LHVs and 189

Para-medic staff were serving in the district.

Table 4-2: District wise number of medical & paramedical staff actually posted in

NWFP 2006

The population per hospital bed is extremely high at 3432 compared to 1609 for NWFP.

Buner also has a growing private sector health care as can be seen from the list below of local health care providers. In severe emergencies, locals resort either to the DHQ Mardan or public hospitals in Peshawar.

Table 4-3: Private Health Providers in the District

5.1.1 Conflict and HealthThe survey team conducted a focused group discussion on the impact of conflict on the

district's health infrastructure. In the process the broad themes of availability of health

facilities in the district, major ailments, staffing and damage due to ongoing conflict were

discussed. Participants included Dr.Maqsod Ahmad, Executive District Officer (EDO)

Health Buner, Dr. Sher Muhammad, Medical Specialist DHQ Daggar, Women Medical

District Doctors Radialo-gists*

Dental Surgeons

Compoun-ders

Nurses Dias * LHVs Other Para Medical

staff

Buner 60 - 4 45 37 46 22 189

Mardan 196 2 9 29 64 101 - 532

Shangla 47 - 2 57 13 25 18 149

Swabi 107 1 4 15 32 61 43 341

Swat 206 2 11 134 101 89 57 555

Source: Director General Health Services, NWFP, Peshawar

17Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 16Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

No. Names Addresses

1. Sultan General Hospital Mardan road, Swarai

2. Seena Medical Center Deewana Baba Road, Swarai

3. New Seena Medical Center Deewana Baba Road, Swarai

4. Rahat Surgical Center Near DHQ hospital Daggar

5. Al-Syed Medical Center Pir Baba Road, Swarai

6. Children Care Clinic Deewana Baba Road, Swarai

7. Buner Medical Center Near DHQ hospital Daggar

8. Buner Children Care Center Shnai Torwarsak Buner

9. Bilal Medical Center Pacha Kalai Pir Baba

10. Qaumi Shafakhana Pacha Kalai Pir Baba

Source: Adopted from Paiman's District Health Profile for Buner

Officer (WMOs) and Paramedics. Following is a broad analysis of the FGD data.

The doctors' fraternity in Buner is not happy with the available health facilities. Some of

the health facilities in the far-flung areas do not attract ready recruits, particularly trained

female specialists. During the conflict more women medical practitioners left their

stations than males ones. Even the DHQ Daggar which remained open throughout the

conflict period of more than two months experienced a lack of female staff. In the rural

areas the medical staff deserted their respective health facilities therefore the flow of all

people requiring healthcare was towards DHQ Daggar.

The participants further said that miscreants targeted health facilities in different parts of

Buner by destroying buildings infrastructure, taking away ambulances and government

vehicles, equipments and even medicines. Dr. Maqsod's office was also looted and

militants took away his office furniture, laptop, computers, and his official jeep etc. as

shown in the table below.

Table 4-5: Health infrastructure details of the EDO health (during the conflict)

The executive director's office has conducted a preliminary assessment of immediate

requirements for health facilities. These facilities are the only ones where the team could

reach for assessment at the time of survey.

No. Name of Health Fcility Present Position Requirement Remarks

EDO Health Office 1 Stolen by militants

1. 5 KV Generators Nil Stolen by militants

2. 3 Computers with HP Premiers & 3 Stabilizers

Nil Stolen by Militants

3. Office Table Nil 4 Broken by Militants

4. Office Chairs 20 Broken by Militants

5. Multimedia 2 Stolen by Militants

6. Overhead projector 2 Stolen by Militants

7. Lap Top 3 Stolen by Militants

Source: EDO health office, Buner

Page 23: Buner Report

Swabi respectively. Four dental surgeons, 45 compounders, 37 nurses, 22 LHVs and 189

Para-medic staff were serving in the district.

Table 4-2: District wise number of medical & paramedical staff actually posted in

NWFP 2006

The population per hospital bed is extremely high at 3432 compared to 1609 for NWFP.

Buner also has a growing private sector health care as can be seen from the list below of local health care providers. In severe emergencies, locals resort either to the DHQ Mardan or public hospitals in Peshawar.

Table 4-3: Private Health Providers in the District

5.1.1 Conflict and HealthThe survey team conducted a focused group discussion on the impact of conflict on the

district's health infrastructure. In the process the broad themes of availability of health

facilities in the district, major ailments, staffing and damage due to ongoing conflict were

discussed. Participants included Dr.Maqsod Ahmad, Executive District Officer (EDO)

Health Buner, Dr. Sher Muhammad, Medical Specialist DHQ Daggar, Women Medical

District Doctors Radialo-gists*

Dental Surgeons

Compoun-ders

Nurses Dias * LHVs Other Para Medical

staff

Buner 60 - 4 45 37 46 22 189

Mardan 196 2 9 29 64 101 - 532

Shangla 47 - 2 57 13 25 18 149

Swabi 107 1 4 15 32 61 43 341

Swat 206 2 11 134 101 89 57 555

Source: Director General Health Services, NWFP, Peshawar

17Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 16Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

No. Names Addresses

1. Sultan General Hospital Mardan road, Swarai

2. Seena Medical Center Deewana Baba Road, Swarai

3. New Seena Medical Center Deewana Baba Road, Swarai

4. Rahat Surgical Center Near DHQ hospital Daggar

5. Al-Syed Medical Center Pir Baba Road, Swarai

6. Children Care Clinic Deewana Baba Road, Swarai

7. Buner Medical Center Near DHQ hospital Daggar

8. Buner Children Care Center Shnai Torwarsak Buner

9. Bilal Medical Center Pacha Kalai Pir Baba

10. Qaumi Shafakhana Pacha Kalai Pir Baba

Source: Adopted from Paiman's District Health Profile for Buner

Officer (WMOs) and Paramedics. Following is a broad analysis of the FGD data.

The doctors' fraternity in Buner is not happy with the available health facilities. Some of

the health facilities in the far-flung areas do not attract ready recruits, particularly trained

female specialists. During the conflict more women medical practitioners left their

stations than males ones. Even the DHQ Daggar which remained open throughout the

conflict period of more than two months experienced a lack of female staff. In the rural

areas the medical staff deserted their respective health facilities therefore the flow of all

people requiring healthcare was towards DHQ Daggar.

The participants further said that miscreants targeted health facilities in different parts of

Buner by destroying buildings infrastructure, taking away ambulances and government

vehicles, equipments and even medicines. Dr. Maqsod's office was also looted and

militants took away his office furniture, laptop, computers, and his official jeep etc. as

shown in the table below.

Table 4-5: Health infrastructure details of the EDO health (during the conflict)

The executive director's office has conducted a preliminary assessment of immediate

requirements for health facilities. These facilities are the only ones where the team could

reach for assessment at the time of survey.

No. Name of Health Fcility Present Position Requirement Remarks

EDO Health Office 1 Stolen by militants

1. 5 KV Generators Nil Stolen by militants

2. 3 Computers with HP Premiers & 3 Stabilizers

Nil Stolen by Militants

3. Office Table Nil 4 Broken by Militants

4. Office Chairs 20 Broken by Militants

5. Multimedia 2 Stolen by Militants

6. Overhead projector 2 Stolen by Militants

7. Lap Top 3 Stolen by Militants

Source: EDO health office, Buner

Page 24: Buner Report

No. Name of Health Fcility Present Position Requirement Remarks

1. RHC Jowar Nil Ambulance Stolen by Militants

2. RHC Sarqala Nil Ambulance Stolen by Militants

3. RHC Nagrai Nil Ambulance

4. CH Nawagai Nil Ambulance Stolen by Militants

5. CH Totalai Nil Ambulance

6. CH Pir Baba Nil Ambulance

7. EDO Office Potohar Jeep Stolen by Militants

Source: EDO health Office, Buner

Table 4-4: Requirements of Health Units

The participants discussed at length about the districts' post conflict health requirements

post conflict and once the 70% inhabitants' starts returning back who left at the onset of

military offensive. Dr. Sher Muhammad called for unprecedented government and non

government support both in technical and financial aspects of healthcare. He also echoed

the EDO's health basic premise that there are potential opportunities hidden in

challenges and said that health sector will emerge stronger in post conflict scenario.

A summary of the FGD is presented below;

nThe present stock is sufficient for the present number of ailments however if IDPs

return as planned by the government, the hospitals will need stock of necessary

medicines that is enough in the short to medium terms.

nIn-depth assessment of health facilities and infrastructure in areas which are

currently in a state of conflict. (EDO health accepted the fact that due to security

concerns medical staff is unable to visit most of the areas and collect necessary data)

nEven the pre-conflict health infrastructure was not sufficient to cater for the growing

population of the district. The conflict further damaged this infrastructure. There is

not only need for re-building but sustainable expansion of the health sector.

nA primary area of intervention for NGOs can be remunerating health staff above the

government salaries. This can be an added motivation for medical staff to stay there

and perform duties.

nThere is dearth of female staff i.e. nurses, WMO and Gynecologists. Again both the

governmental and non-governmental organizations should come forward to assist

the district health sector in terms of high remunerations for the female staff and

provision of technical facilities.

nMeasures should be taken to boost the preventive health initiatives.

19Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 18Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

nThe government needs to beef up its budgetary allocations for the district health

sector, particularly after the destruction caused by the conflict.

nThe trauma of displacement has resulted into serious psychological ailments among

the people. There is need of sustainable psycho-social support for the local

population.

5.2 EDUCATIONLittle attention has been paid to the education sector improvement in Buner which

manifests itself in lower literacy rates for the district amongst its neighbouring districts

as well as amongst all the districts in Malakand agency. As per the 1998 census literacy

rate in Buner is 22.62 %. The literacy rate for male is 38% and for female only 7.7%.

During the era of Wali of Swat (1949-1969) a number of primary, middle and high schools were founded but later on the government could not carry on with the momentum of providing quality education to the local population. The current statistics on education are as follows;

Table 4-6: Academic institutions and students enrolment both government and private 2009

There has been little growth in primary education infrastructure in the last 5 years across

NWFP. According to government statistics for 2006-07, there were a total 581 primary

schools in Buner with 426 catering male and 155 female students. There is a marked

No Total Number of Educational Institutions

Male ` Female

Govt. Educational Institutions

Primary Schools 577 422 155

Middle Schools 60 40 20

High Schools 48 37 11

Higher Secondary schools 4 3 2

Degree Colleges 3 2 1

Private Educational Institutions

Primary Schools 24 Co education Co-education

Middle Schools 29 Co-education Co-education

High Schools 20 Co-education Co-education

Higher Secondary 3 Co-education Co-education

Source: EDO Education District Buner

Page 25: Buner Report

No. Name of Health Fcility Present Position Requirement Remarks

1. RHC Jowar Nil Ambulance Stolen by Militants

2. RHC Sarqala Nil Ambulance Stolen by Militants

3. RHC Nagrai Nil Ambulance

4. CH Nawagai Nil Ambulance Stolen by Militants

5. CH Totalai Nil Ambulance

6. CH Pir Baba Nil Ambulance

7. EDO Office Potohar Jeep Stolen by Militants

Source: EDO health Office, Buner

Table 4-4: Requirements of Health Units

The participants discussed at length about the districts' post conflict health requirements

post conflict and once the 70% inhabitants' starts returning back who left at the onset of

military offensive. Dr. Sher Muhammad called for unprecedented government and non

government support both in technical and financial aspects of healthcare. He also echoed

the EDO's health basic premise that there are potential opportunities hidden in

challenges and said that health sector will emerge stronger in post conflict scenario.

A summary of the FGD is presented below;

nThe present stock is sufficient for the present number of ailments however if IDPs

return as planned by the government, the hospitals will need stock of necessary

medicines that is enough in the short to medium terms.

nIn-depth assessment of health facilities and infrastructure in areas which are

currently in a state of conflict. (EDO health accepted the fact that due to security

concerns medical staff is unable to visit most of the areas and collect necessary data)

nEven the pre-conflict health infrastructure was not sufficient to cater for the growing

population of the district. The conflict further damaged this infrastructure. There is

not only need for re-building but sustainable expansion of the health sector.

nA primary area of intervention for NGOs can be remunerating health staff above the

government salaries. This can be an added motivation for medical staff to stay there

and perform duties.

nThere is dearth of female staff i.e. nurses, WMO and Gynecologists. Again both the

governmental and non-governmental organizations should come forward to assist

the district health sector in terms of high remunerations for the female staff and

provision of technical facilities.

nMeasures should be taken to boost the preventive health initiatives.

19Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 18Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

nThe government needs to beef up its budgetary allocations for the district health

sector, particularly after the destruction caused by the conflict.

nThe trauma of displacement has resulted into serious psychological ailments among

the people. There is need of sustainable psycho-social support for the local

population.

5.2 EDUCATIONLittle attention has been paid to the education sector improvement in Buner which

manifests itself in lower literacy rates for the district amongst its neighbouring districts

as well as amongst all the districts in Malakand agency. As per the 1998 census literacy

rate in Buner is 22.62 %. The literacy rate for male is 38% and for female only 7.7%.

During the era of Wali of Swat (1949-1969) a number of primary, middle and high schools were founded but later on the government could not carry on with the momentum of providing quality education to the local population. The current statistics on education are as follows;

Table 4-6: Academic institutions and students enrolment both government and private 2009

There has been little growth in primary education infrastructure in the last 5 years across

NWFP. According to government statistics for 2006-07, there were a total 581 primary

schools in Buner with 426 catering male and 155 female students. There is a marked

No Total Number of Educational Institutions

Male ` Female

Govt. Educational Institutions

Primary Schools 577 422 155

Middle Schools 60 40 20

High Schools 48 37 11

Higher Secondary schools 4 3 2

Degree Colleges 3 2 1

Private Educational Institutions

Primary Schools 24 Co education Co-education

Middle Schools 29 Co-education Co-education

High Schools 20 Co-education Co-education

Higher Secondary 3 Co-education Co-education

Source: EDO Education District Buner

Page 26: Buner Report

gender disparity in favour of boys as only 27% of schools are open to girls. Compare this

with neighbouring districts of Swabi, Swat and Mardan with 42, 35% and 41% girls'

schools respectively.

Table 4-5: district wise number of primary schools in NWFP

In 2006-07, the total primary enrolment in Buner was 95642 of which 58595 were boys

and 37047 were girls. The corresponding teaching staff in primary school for the period

2006-07 was 1892 with 1413 male teachers and 479 female.

Similarly if we look at the status of higher education, there are only 4 degree colleges in

the whole of Buner with only one catering women population.

Table: District wise number of government degree colleges in NWFP, 2004-05 to 2006-07

Sensing this service delivery gap in education, the district has witnessed a mushrooming

of private education institutions. It is easy to find one to two private primary to high

(grade 10) schools in bigger villages of the district.

District2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female

N.W.F.P 95 63 32 101 69 32 118 77 41

Buner 1 1 - 2 2 - 4 3 1

Mardan 8 7 1 9 8 1 10 8 2

Shangla 3 3 - 3 3 - 3 3 0

Swabi 8 4 4 8 4 4 10 6 4

Swat 4 2 2 4 2 2 7 3 4

Source: adopted form the Directorate of Higher Education, NWFP, Peshawar

No. Name of Educational institution

Tehsil Present Status Remarks

1. GGHS Pachakalay Gadezi Partially damaged in the conflict

Requires repair, furniture, library books, science lab and stationary

2. GGHS Bagra Daggar Partially damaged Do

3. GGMS Batai Gadezai Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

4. GGPS Sultanwas Gadezai Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

5. GGPS Laghara Daggar Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

6. GGMS Anghapur Daggar Furniture, doors and record burnt down by the militants. Lab equipment stolen

Requires repair, furniture, doors, windows

7. GGPS Bazargai Gadezai Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

8. GHS Gatkala Gadezai Furniture and doors burnt down by militants and Lab equipment stolen

Requires repair, furniture, doors, windows, science lab etc.

89. GPS Bazar Gai Gadezai Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

10. GHS Torwarsak Gadezai Completely destroyed in the conflict

Needs to be reconstructed

GHS Juwar Gadezai Completely destroyed Do

GHS Maradu Chagharzai Completely destroyed Do

GPS Torwarsak Gadezai Completely destroyed Do

GPS Maradu Chagharzai Completely destroyed Do

Degree college for Girls Juwar Gadezi Completely destroyed by the militants

Do

21Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 20Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

District2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female

N.W.F.P 22,024 14,534 7,490 22,183 14,600 7,583 22,281 14,654 7,627

Buner 575 423 152 576 422 154 581 426 155

Mardan 1,279 745 534 1,286 754 532 1,286 757 529

Shangla 566 405 161 567 405 162 574 410 164

Swabi 1,004 589 415 999 588 411 1,010 591 419

Swat 1,280 834 446 1,291 835 456 1,288 837 451

Source: Education directorate, NWFP

5.2.1 Education and conflictDuring one of the focused group discussion with teachers from both government and

private schools, it was revealed that militants discouraged education particularly higher

education of girls. It is manifested in the number of girls' schools damaged during the

conflict (see table below)

Following table shows the status of educational institutions during the conflict period.

Table 4-7: Education institutions during the conflict period

Source: EDO Education Office, District Buner

Page 27: Buner Report

gender disparity in favour of boys as only 27% of schools are open to girls. Compare this

with neighbouring districts of Swabi, Swat and Mardan with 42, 35% and 41% girls'

schools respectively.

Table 4-5: district wise number of primary schools in NWFP

In 2006-07, the total primary enrolment in Buner was 95642 of which 58595 were boys

and 37047 were girls. The corresponding teaching staff in primary school for the period

2006-07 was 1892 with 1413 male teachers and 479 female.

Similarly if we look at the status of higher education, there are only 4 degree colleges in

the whole of Buner with only one catering women population.

Table: District wise number of government degree colleges in NWFP, 2004-05 to 2006-07

Sensing this service delivery gap in education, the district has witnessed a mushrooming

of private education institutions. It is easy to find one to two private primary to high

(grade 10) schools in bigger villages of the district.

District2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female

N.W.F.P 95 63 32 101 69 32 118 77 41

Buner 1 1 - 2 2 - 4 3 1

Mardan 8 7 1 9 8 1 10 8 2

Shangla 3 3 - 3 3 - 3 3 0

Swabi 8 4 4 8 4 4 10 6 4

Swat 4 2 2 4 2 2 7 3 4

Source: adopted form the Directorate of Higher Education, NWFP, Peshawar

No. Name of Educational institution

Tehsil Present Status Remarks

1. GGHS Pachakalay Gadezi Partially damaged in the conflict

Requires repair, furniture, library books, science lab and stationary

2. GGHS Bagra Daggar Partially damaged Do

3. GGMS Batai Gadezai Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

4. GGPS Sultanwas Gadezai Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

5. GGPS Laghara Daggar Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

6. GGMS Anghapur Daggar Furniture, doors and record burnt down by the militants. Lab equipment stolen

Requires repair, furniture, doors, windows

7. GGPS Bazargai Gadezai Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

8. GHS Gatkala Gadezai Furniture and doors burnt down by militants and Lab equipment stolen

Requires repair, furniture, doors, windows, science lab etc.

89. GPS Bazar Gai Gadezai Partially damaged Requires repair and furniture

10. GHS Torwarsak Gadezai Completely destroyed in the conflict

Needs to be reconstructed

GHS Juwar Gadezai Completely destroyed Do

GHS Maradu Chagharzai Completely destroyed Do

GPS Torwarsak Gadezai Completely destroyed Do

GPS Maradu Chagharzai Completely destroyed Do

Degree college for Girls Juwar Gadezi Completely destroyed by the militants

Do

21Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 20Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

District2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female

N.W.F.P 22,024 14,534 7,490 22,183 14,600 7,583 22,281 14,654 7,627

Buner 575 423 152 576 422 154 581 426 155

Mardan 1,279 745 534 1,286 754 532 1,286 757 529

Shangla 566 405 161 567 405 162 574 410 164

Swabi 1,004 589 415 999 588 411 1,010 591 419

Swat 1,280 834 446 1,291 835 456 1,288 837 451

Source: Education directorate, NWFP

5.2.1 Education and conflictDuring one of the focused group discussion with teachers from both government and

private schools, it was revealed that militants discouraged education particularly higher

education of girls. It is manifested in the number of girls' schools damaged during the

conflict (see table below)

Following table shows the status of educational institutions during the conflict period.

Table 4-7: Education institutions during the conflict period

Source: EDO Education Office, District Buner

Page 28: Buner Report

1

nThe teachers complained of low salaries. They argued that the area is conflict-stricken there must be a reasonable increase in their salaries. They added that now they will perform duties in the most fragile situation therefore there must be special incentives for them.

nThe district education sector needs huge financial aid for rebuilding schools and building security walls around them. The provincial minister for education said that USAID have pledged to re-construct destroyed schools in the area, however the locals say that the government should come forward to open new educational institutions in the hilly areas (Chagharzai, Gokand and Chamla) where students still travel on their feet for 4-6 kilometers to reach schools.

nA special media campaign may be launched by the government to encourage and motivate students to attend their schools. The students also need psycho-social support to pull them out of the trauma of war and violence.

nThe militants have poisoned people minds about girls' education in the hilly areas. There must of a special awareness rising campaigns and incentives for parents to send their girls to schools.

nThe district lack in female teachers. There is every need that the governmental and non-governmental organizations provide financial assistance to hire teachers from other districts on higher salaries.

nIn the hilly areas girls' students and female teachers need security and transport to attend their schools.

nOwners of private schools suffered huge losses during the conflict. For the last three months they are not able to pay salaries to their staff. They need financial assistance to re-enlivened educational activities on their campuses.

nSpecial quota may be announced for the students of Buner valley in other educational institutions (Particularly professional institutions) of the country.

5.3 WATER SUPPLYThe recent available statistics on water supply in various districts of NWFP for the 2005-

06, published by the provincial Bureau of Statistics. The total population served by

assured water supply in the district is 463,000 which is approximately 68% of the

district's total population. This is a relatively good coverage than most districts of

Pakistan. Amongst its neighbouring districts, only Swabi betters its rate at 71%.

Table 4- Water supply coverage in district Buner and adjoining districts, 2005-06

A local teacher informed that the miscreants issued orders that girls above 10 years of age

must wear burqa.

In some areas of Gadezi and Daggar Tehsils Taliban occupied schools and used them as

bunkers. Few schools were also destroyed when the security forces targeted them to take

on the fighters. The militants also looted science laboratories, libraries and burnt down

furniture of schools in Gadezi, Daggar, Chamla and Chagharzi tehsils.

On way back the survey team visited govt. High School No.2 at Daggar village. The

doors of the school were recently opened however there were no students and a few local

teachers showed up. In our meeting with the teaching staff it was revealed that the district

coordination officer had issued a letter asking teachers in areas cleared by the military, to

attend schools. When asked when the schools will be open, the teachers said that parents

are still afraid of sending their children to school.

“Most of the students are still displaced and living with their families in other districts.

Secondly, there is still fear and uncertainty and the parents don't encourage their children

to go to schools”, said Ahmad Ali, a teacher in the school.

Sher Akbar, another senior teacher informed that the teachers were in the school just to

justify the claim of the provincial government that the area was cleared of militants and

all the educational institutions in the valley had been opened. “Even we are uncertain

whether we will be able to teach our students once again”, he further said.

We also observed that the doors of government degree college Daggar and high school of

Chanar were locked. No students and teachers were seen there. Locals said that all the

government and private educational institutions are closed for the last two and half

months.

In our interviews with school teachers, parents, students and NGO workers following

recommendations were given for the revival of education sector in the valley.

nDurable peace must be restored in the valley. The operation must be targeted, focused and within a specified time frame. Education cannot be imparted in environment of fear and intimidation.

nBoth governmental and non-governmental organizations should take concrete steps to ensure the return of displaced families. They should be provided with reasonable financial assistance to restart their normal lives. Once the families are back the students will also return to their homes and schools.

nThe students of intermediate complained that they were promoted to next class without taking any examination. They were given the same marks they got in the previous class. The students said that normally students get higher marks in 12th grade. They feared this will reduce their chances of getting admission in professional colleges and institutions.

23Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 22Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 29: Buner Report

1

nThe teachers complained of low salaries. They argued that the area is conflict-stricken there must be a reasonable increase in their salaries. They added that now they will perform duties in the most fragile situation therefore there must be special incentives for them.

nThe district education sector needs huge financial aid for rebuilding schools and building security walls around them. The provincial minister for education said that USAID have pledged to re-construct destroyed schools in the area, however the locals say that the government should come forward to open new educational institutions in the hilly areas (Chagharzai, Gokand and Chamla) where students still travel on their feet for 4-6 kilometers to reach schools.

nA special media campaign may be launched by the government to encourage and motivate students to attend their schools. The students also need psycho-social support to pull them out of the trauma of war and violence.

nThe militants have poisoned people minds about girls' education in the hilly areas. There must of a special awareness rising campaigns and incentives for parents to send their girls to schools.

nThe district lack in female teachers. There is every need that the governmental and non-governmental organizations provide financial assistance to hire teachers from other districts on higher salaries.

nIn the hilly areas girls' students and female teachers need security and transport to attend their schools.

nOwners of private schools suffered huge losses during the conflict. For the last three months they are not able to pay salaries to their staff. They need financial assistance to re-enlivened educational activities on their campuses.

nSpecial quota may be announced for the students of Buner valley in other educational institutions (Particularly professional institutions) of the country.

5.3 WATER SUPPLYThe recent available statistics on water supply in various districts of NWFP for the 2005-

06, published by the provincial Bureau of Statistics. The total population served by

assured water supply in the district is 463,000 which is approximately 68% of the

district's total population. This is a relatively good coverage than most districts of

Pakistan. Amongst its neighbouring districts, only Swabi betters its rate at 71%.

Table 4- Water supply coverage in district Buner and adjoining districts, 2005-06

A local teacher informed that the miscreants issued orders that girls above 10 years of age

must wear burqa.

In some areas of Gadezi and Daggar Tehsils Taliban occupied schools and used them as

bunkers. Few schools were also destroyed when the security forces targeted them to take

on the fighters. The militants also looted science laboratories, libraries and burnt down

furniture of schools in Gadezi, Daggar, Chamla and Chagharzi tehsils.

On way back the survey team visited govt. High School No.2 at Daggar village. The

doors of the school were recently opened however there were no students and a few local

teachers showed up. In our meeting with the teaching staff it was revealed that the district

coordination officer had issued a letter asking teachers in areas cleared by the military, to

attend schools. When asked when the schools will be open, the teachers said that parents

are still afraid of sending their children to school.

“Most of the students are still displaced and living with their families in other districts.

Secondly, there is still fear and uncertainty and the parents don't encourage their children

to go to schools”, said Ahmad Ali, a teacher in the school.

Sher Akbar, another senior teacher informed that the teachers were in the school just to

justify the claim of the provincial government that the area was cleared of militants and

all the educational institutions in the valley had been opened. “Even we are uncertain

whether we will be able to teach our students once again”, he further said.

We also observed that the doors of government degree college Daggar and high school of

Chanar were locked. No students and teachers were seen there. Locals said that all the

government and private educational institutions are closed for the last two and half

months.

In our interviews with school teachers, parents, students and NGO workers following

recommendations were given for the revival of education sector in the valley.

nDurable peace must be restored in the valley. The operation must be targeted, focused and within a specified time frame. Education cannot be imparted in environment of fear and intimidation.

nBoth governmental and non-governmental organizations should take concrete steps to ensure the return of displaced families. They should be provided with reasonable financial assistance to restart their normal lives. Once the families are back the students will also return to their homes and schools.

nThe students of intermediate complained that they were promoted to next class without taking any examination. They were given the same marks they got in the previous class. The students said that normally students get higher marks in 12th grade. They feared this will reduce their chances of getting admission in professional colleges and institutions.

23Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 22Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 30: Buner Report

In the plain areas of Buner most of the people are dependent on government run Water

supply schemes. In the hilly areas of Gokand, Chagharzai, Amazi, and Salarzi people use

water from the natural streams. Due to two months power break-down water supply

schemes could not work in most of the areas including Shalbandi, Amnawar, Diwana

Baba, Kalpani, Bajkata, Juwar, Pir Baba and Chamla. Therefore the people turned to

their traditional method of pitching water from open streams. As cattle also drink water

from the main streams therefore in many cases water from the streams were found

contaminated and resulted into diarrhoea and minor skin diseases among the local

population.

In Shalbandi village that the people still pitch water from natural streams. Cattle were

seen drinking water from the streams while people were filling their pitchers from the

same water source.

A survey conducted by Paiman suggests that respondents when asked to indicate their

main source of drinking water cited government water supply as their primary mode of

domestic water (41 percent). 12 percent indicated that they used a communal water

source. Indoor wells and motorized/hand pumps (inside) were also cited as sources of

drinking water (12 percent and 8 percent respectively). Interestingly, nearly 4 percent of

the population also indicated that they obtained their drinking water from nearby

rivers/canals/streams, while about 2 percent from pool/pond water. Such open water

sources are unsafe for consumption as they may lead to the spread of water induced

diseases. Therefore, approximately 5 percent of the population of Buner is at risk of

contracting serious water induced diseases.

The trend of sinking in tube wells is getting in vogue. While it is good news for local

agriculture, the already deep aquifer in the process might get stressed. There is a need for

environmental studies to quantify the impact of drawing out ground water in huge

quantities for agriculture purposes. During an FGD in UC shalbandi resource mapping

suggested that there are about 20 tube wells irrigating an area of 8000 acres of village

land. However the elders said that most of the tube wells are for personal use and tube

wells owners don't share water with other people.

Water supply schemes have undoubtedly been destroyed due to the army's shelling and

miscreants' targeting communal properties. A local councillor in Daggar said that at least

45 such community water supply schemes need urgent repairs, a claim that could not be

independently verified.

5.4 ELECTRICITYAs of 2005, a total of 96 villages were provided with electricity in Buner. The rate of

village electrification over the years has been slow and cumbersome in the district. It is

one of the most important inputs for enabling local livelihoods. The local marble industry

is hit hard by regular brownouts and weak supply of electricity and so are other

businesses in the area.

Table 4-: District wise number of villages electrified in NWFP, 2002-03 to 2004-05

Due to the conflict, electricity was not provided to the whole district. At the time of field

visit, electricity had been restored in most of the areas in Daggar, Gadezi, Gagara,

Chamla and Khadukhel Tehsils. In certain areas of Gokand valley (Gadezi Tehsil) and

Chagharzai areas the electricity poles and transformers were observed to be destroyed

and in need of major repairs.

The Power and Electricity corporation in Buner has estimated that there is a need of

investing Rs. 1,53,92,930 for restoring the electricity infrastructure in the area. The

major items destroyed include poles, wires, conductors, meters, PVC cores, X arms, and

construction. Most of the destructions have occurred in sub divisions of Koga, Korea,

Ambela, Kalpani, Rega, Bajkata, and Suwari.

5.5 ROAD INFRASTRUCTUREThe total length of Buner's road network is 462 kilometres. This includes 346 kms of

DistrictPop: served (000) %age Coverage

Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural

Buner 463 0 463 67.99 0 67.99

Mardan 1,085 269 816 58.9 70 56

Shangla 308 - 308 55.05 - 55.05

Swabi 920 72 848 71.32 31 80

Swat 666 108 558 40.85 45.37 40.05

Source: adopted from Buner's PHE works and Services Department, and the Tehsil Municipal Office (TMO).

District2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

During Cumulative During Cumulative During Cumulative

N.W.F.P 95 8,624 92 8,716 2,072 10,788

Buner 2 42 - 42 54 96

Mardan 2 998 - 998 211 1209

Shangla - 4 - 4 22 26

Swabi - 56 - 56 118 174

Swat 3 862 3 865 82 947

25Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 24Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 31: Buner Report

In the plain areas of Buner most of the people are dependent on government run Water

supply schemes. In the hilly areas of Gokand, Chagharzai, Amazi, and Salarzi people use

water from the natural streams. Due to two months power break-down water supply

schemes could not work in most of the areas including Shalbandi, Amnawar, Diwana

Baba, Kalpani, Bajkata, Juwar, Pir Baba and Chamla. Therefore the people turned to

their traditional method of pitching water from open streams. As cattle also drink water

from the main streams therefore in many cases water from the streams were found

contaminated and resulted into diarrhoea and minor skin diseases among the local

population.

In Shalbandi village that the people still pitch water from natural streams. Cattle were

seen drinking water from the streams while people were filling their pitchers from the

same water source.

A survey conducted by Paiman suggests that respondents when asked to indicate their

main source of drinking water cited government water supply as their primary mode of

domestic water (41 percent). 12 percent indicated that they used a communal water

source. Indoor wells and motorized/hand pumps (inside) were also cited as sources of

drinking water (12 percent and 8 percent respectively). Interestingly, nearly 4 percent of

the population also indicated that they obtained their drinking water from nearby

rivers/canals/streams, while about 2 percent from pool/pond water. Such open water

sources are unsafe for consumption as they may lead to the spread of water induced

diseases. Therefore, approximately 5 percent of the population of Buner is at risk of

contracting serious water induced diseases.

The trend of sinking in tube wells is getting in vogue. While it is good news for local

agriculture, the already deep aquifer in the process might get stressed. There is a need for

environmental studies to quantify the impact of drawing out ground water in huge

quantities for agriculture purposes. During an FGD in UC shalbandi resource mapping

suggested that there are about 20 tube wells irrigating an area of 8000 acres of village

land. However the elders said that most of the tube wells are for personal use and tube

wells owners don't share water with other people.

Water supply schemes have undoubtedly been destroyed due to the army's shelling and

miscreants' targeting communal properties. A local councillor in Daggar said that at least

45 such community water supply schemes need urgent repairs, a claim that could not be

independently verified.

5.4 ELECTRICITYAs of 2005, a total of 96 villages were provided with electricity in Buner. The rate of

village electrification over the years has been slow and cumbersome in the district. It is

one of the most important inputs for enabling local livelihoods. The local marble industry

is hit hard by regular brownouts and weak supply of electricity and so are other

businesses in the area.

Table 4-: District wise number of villages electrified in NWFP, 2002-03 to 2004-05

Due to the conflict, electricity was not provided to the whole district. At the time of field

visit, electricity had been restored in most of the areas in Daggar, Gadezi, Gagara,

Chamla and Khadukhel Tehsils. In certain areas of Gokand valley (Gadezi Tehsil) and

Chagharzai areas the electricity poles and transformers were observed to be destroyed

and in need of major repairs.

The Power and Electricity corporation in Buner has estimated that there is a need of

investing Rs. 1,53,92,930 for restoring the electricity infrastructure in the area. The

major items destroyed include poles, wires, conductors, meters, PVC cores, X arms, and

construction. Most of the destructions have occurred in sub divisions of Koga, Korea,

Ambela, Kalpani, Rega, Bajkata, and Suwari.

5.5 ROAD INFRASTRUCTUREThe total length of Buner's road network is 462 kilometres. This includes 346 kms of

DistrictPop: served (000) %age Coverage

Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural

Buner 463 0 463 67.99 0 67.99

Mardan 1,085 269 816 58.9 70 56

Shangla 308 - 308 55.05 - 55.05

Swabi 920 72 848 71.32 31 80

Swat 666 108 558 40.85 45.37 40.05

Source: adopted from Buner's PHE works and Services Department, and the Tehsil Municipal Office (TMO).

District2002-03 2003-04 2004-05

During Cumulative During Cumulative During Cumulative

N.W.F.P 95 8,624 92 8,716 2,072 10,788

Buner 2 42 - 42 54 96

Mardan 2 998 - 998 211 1209

Shangla - 4 - 4 22 26

Swabi - 56 - 56 118 174

Swat 3 862 3 865 82 947

25Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 24Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 32: Buner Report

metalled network and 116 kilometres of dirt and jeep-able roads. Compared to its

neighbouring districts, the connectivity is relatively better.

Table: Road network in Buner and adjoining districts

Main roads leading from Mardan to Buner and from Swabi to Buner are metalled and in

comparatively good condition. However roads in the rural areas are in dilapidated

conditions and requires urgent attention. Locals informed the team that the road linking

Daggar with Pir Baba town is in some places destroyed during the military shelling. The

miscreants also had drilled roads in Pacha Kalay, Gadezi and Torwarsak areas to plant

mines in order to disrupt the movement of security forces.

5.6 COMMUNICATIONSThe area is connected via landline telephony to the rest of the country. In far off areas, the

PTCL introduced wireless phone was in vogue until private cellular companies started

operating in the past 3 years.

The cellular services have been resumed in the valley. In the hilly areas of Chagharzai

and Gokand valley, landline connectivity is still out of service and need repairs.

5.7 SANITATION FACILITIESToilet facilities are a major indicator of a household's socioeconomic status and therefore

the level of hygiene, sanitation and comfort available to an expectant or new mother,

along with her newborn children. The type of toilet facility of a household directly

reflects the quality of sanitation, which has a more direct affect on mortality than the

socioeconomic status (Martin, Linda et al, 1983, pp. 425).

One of the studies suggests that 35% of the sampled population do not have access to in-

house toilet facility. 24% of the population had access to flush latrines connected to

septic tanks while the percentage of people using raised latrines and pits account for 18

and 15 percent respectively.

The government figures suggest that separate kitchen, bathroom and latrine facilities are

available in 42.6, 52.9, and 25 percent of the households respectively.

5.8 SOURCES OF LIGHTING & ENERGYAlmost half of Buner's population use electricity as a source of lighting while another

half uses kerosene along with petro-max and mustard oil etc. almost all the major villages

and towns are electrified

Almost the entire district Buner is dependent on forest wood for domestic energy usage.

During FGDs with local elders there was a consensus amongst the participants that the

spread of forest has become thinner as they have aged. They remember relatively bigger

spread of trees inside villages and surrounding mountains. On observation, one can

easily find that the local forest department has done plantation on selected sites. The

research team visited the district forest department but found the offices closed due to

conflict.

The study suggests that 98 percent of the respondents in Buner use firewood for cooking

Purposes, while 1.9 percent use LPG and other sources. This finding is reinforced by the

1998 findings from the government sources.

5.9 SOURCES OF INFORMATIONAt the time of 1998 census, 40% of the households have access to television, radio or

newspaper, the three major sources of information to the outside world. Approximately

40% of the households have TV facility and 87.8% have or access to radios. The survey

team had a chance to meet local poets who frequently calls international radio stations to

transmit their poetry. It was easy to see people around with radio sets in the evenings

usually listening to BBC Urdu/Pashto, Duesthe Welle, and Voice of America. During an

FGD participants said that the message of extremism can best be tackled by starting up

local FM stations that would promote local arts and culture.

Most of the households whose members are working outside the country have installed

dish antennas, a trend that could be clearly seen in well to do households.

There is one printing press in Buner district.

District2005-06 (in Kms)

Total High Type Low Type

N.W.F.P 10840.521 7582.778 3257.743

Buner 462 346 116

Mardan 302 291 11

Shangla 311 105 206

Swabi 466 335 131

Swat 634 582 52

Source: Chief Engineer, Works & Services, NWFP, Peshawar

27Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 26Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 33: Buner Report

metalled network and 116 kilometres of dirt and jeep-able roads. Compared to its

neighbouring districts, the connectivity is relatively better.

Table: Road network in Buner and adjoining districts

Main roads leading from Mardan to Buner and from Swabi to Buner are metalled and in

comparatively good condition. However roads in the rural areas are in dilapidated

conditions and requires urgent attention. Locals informed the team that the road linking

Daggar with Pir Baba town is in some places destroyed during the military shelling. The

miscreants also had drilled roads in Pacha Kalay, Gadezi and Torwarsak areas to plant

mines in order to disrupt the movement of security forces.

5.6 COMMUNICATIONSThe area is connected via landline telephony to the rest of the country. In far off areas, the

PTCL introduced wireless phone was in vogue until private cellular companies started

operating in the past 3 years.

The cellular services have been resumed in the valley. In the hilly areas of Chagharzai

and Gokand valley, landline connectivity is still out of service and need repairs.

5.7 SANITATION FACILITIESToilet facilities are a major indicator of a household's socioeconomic status and therefore

the level of hygiene, sanitation and comfort available to an expectant or new mother,

along with her newborn children. The type of toilet facility of a household directly

reflects the quality of sanitation, which has a more direct affect on mortality than the

socioeconomic status (Martin, Linda et al, 1983, pp. 425).

One of the studies suggests that 35% of the sampled population do not have access to in-

house toilet facility. 24% of the population had access to flush latrines connected to

septic tanks while the percentage of people using raised latrines and pits account for 18

and 15 percent respectively.

The government figures suggest that separate kitchen, bathroom and latrine facilities are

available in 42.6, 52.9, and 25 percent of the households respectively.

5.8 SOURCES OF LIGHTING & ENERGYAlmost half of Buner's population use electricity as a source of lighting while another

half uses kerosene along with petro-max and mustard oil etc. almost all the major villages

and towns are electrified

Almost the entire district Buner is dependent on forest wood for domestic energy usage.

During FGDs with local elders there was a consensus amongst the participants that the

spread of forest has become thinner as they have aged. They remember relatively bigger

spread of trees inside villages and surrounding mountains. On observation, one can

easily find that the local forest department has done plantation on selected sites. The

research team visited the district forest department but found the offices closed due to

conflict.

The study suggests that 98 percent of the respondents in Buner use firewood for cooking

Purposes, while 1.9 percent use LPG and other sources. This finding is reinforced by the

1998 findings from the government sources.

5.9 SOURCES OF INFORMATIONAt the time of 1998 census, 40% of the households have access to television, radio or

newspaper, the three major sources of information to the outside world. Approximately

40% of the households have TV facility and 87.8% have or access to radios. The survey

team had a chance to meet local poets who frequently calls international radio stations to

transmit their poetry. It was easy to see people around with radio sets in the evenings

usually listening to BBC Urdu/Pashto, Duesthe Welle, and Voice of America. During an

FGD participants said that the message of extremism can best be tackled by starting up

local FM stations that would promote local arts and culture.

Most of the households whose members are working outside the country have installed

dish antennas, a trend that could be clearly seen in well to do households.

There is one printing press in Buner district.

District2005-06 (in Kms)

Total High Type Low Type

N.W.F.P 10840.521 7582.778 3257.743

Buner 462 346 116

Mardan 302 291 11

Shangla 311 105 206

Swabi 466 335 131

Swat 634 582 52

Source: Chief Engineer, Works & Services, NWFP, Peshawar

27Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 26Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 34: Buner Report

6 EconomyBuner has no urban centres and the whole district is categorized as a rural area. By and large the

economy of Buner rests on the agriculture sector. The only big manufacturing industry is that of

marble which will take some time to recover from the current turmoil. Equally important is the in

flow of remittances from abroad. A good proportion of Buner's population are working abroad

mostly in Malaysia and Gulf States. This reflects in the relative prosperity of the area.

Employment Categories

The major occupation groups in the district include skilled agriculture workers (particularly in

processing tobacco), services workers, professional teachers, and labourers in mining,

construction and manufacturing sector as outlined in the table below.

Table: Employment Categories and Work Force

Occupation No. of People

Agriculture 58162

6744

6039 (including 74 women)

Professionals (mostly public school teachers) 2604

Mining, construction, transport & manufacturing

Service workers, shops, markets, sales workers

Source: Buner District Census Report, 1998

These figures are 10 years old and no new data is available. However one trend that still persists

is the lack of women representation in all these categories. Apart from the services sector

(teaching mostly), it is hard to find women economic activity in Buner's economy.

6.1 AGRICULTUREMain crops of the area include Wheat, Maize, Tobacco and Sugarcane. Rice is also

cultivated in the riverine areas but the total output is quite low (457 tonnes in 2006-07).

Vegetable production is also low however potato, ladyfinger, pumpkins, beans, tomato

are grown on small scale. The fable below shows vegetables produced in Buner in 2007,

08.

Table: Area, Production, Yield per Hectare, Production Per Capita and Percentage

Share of Vegetables in Buner, 2007-08

A few types of fruits are also grown in the area such as apricot, wild persimmon, mulberry and

Apples. The total output of fruits in the district is presented in the table below.

Table: Area, Production, Yield Per Hectare, Production Per Capita And Percentage Share of Fruits in Buner, 2007-08

PRSP draft for NWFP recommends “initiating district level studies to assess how best to

develop and promote horticulture and vegetable farming, food processing including fruit

preservation, timber and non timber forest products exploitation and mineral and gems

development on modern business lines”.

It is worth mentioning here that there are no government provided storage facilities in

District Buner.

6.1.1 Land Utilization in BunerLand utilization in NWFP is lower as compared to Punjab and Sindh provinces. The same

trend is reflected in various districts. For Buner, a total of 172431 hectares is available for

cultivation out of which 55457 hectares is actually cultivated (32%) while almost 9 % is

fallow land. 40983 hectares of Buner's land comprises forest.

There is a great potential for making the fallow lands available for cultivation and

increase the area under forest.

In the preceding, the major crops, yields, and area under cultivation is presented along

with a comparative analysis of Buner with border districts of Swabi, Mardan, Swat,

Shangla as well as provincial averages.

6.1.2 TobaccoTobacco is the major cash crop in district Buner as well as the surrounding districts.

Buner on the average produces 8% of the total provincial tobacco's production.

This area is famous for fine quality tobacco regionally. The total acreage of tobacco in

NWFP for the period 2006-07 was 36457 hectares. The districts of Mardan, Swabi, Swat

and Buner together produce tobacco at 26329 hectares which is 72% of the total area

under tobacco cultivation in NWFP. Importantly together these districts produced 64192

tonnes of tobacco which translates into 73% of the total NWFP's production.

Area ProductionYield per hectare

Production per capita

Distt: % share of Area with

NWFP

Distt: % share of production with NWFP

000 Hectare 000 Ton Kgs Kgs % %

0.44 4.08 9272.7 5.6 1.1 0.96

Source: Agriculture Statistics NWFP, Peshawar

29Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 28

Area ProductionYield per hectare

Production per capita

Distt: % share of Area with

NWFP

Distt: % share of production with NWFP

000 Hectare 000 Ton Kgs Kgs % %

0.53 6.18 11660 8 1.70 1.18

Source: Agriculture Statistics NWFP, Peshawar

Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 35: Buner Report

6 EconomyBuner has no urban centres and the whole district is categorized as a rural area. By and large the

economy of Buner rests on the agriculture sector. The only big manufacturing industry is that of

marble which will take some time to recover from the current turmoil. Equally important is the in

flow of remittances from abroad. A good proportion of Buner's population are working abroad

mostly in Malaysia and Gulf States. This reflects in the relative prosperity of the area.

Employment Categories

The major occupation groups in the district include skilled agriculture workers (particularly in

processing tobacco), services workers, professional teachers, and labourers in mining,

construction and manufacturing sector as outlined in the table below.

Table: Employment Categories and Work Force

Occupation No. of People

Agriculture 58162

6744

6039 (including 74 women)

Professionals (mostly public school teachers) 2604

Mining, construction, transport & manufacturing

Service workers, shops, markets, sales workers

Source: Buner District Census Report, 1998

These figures are 10 years old and no new data is available. However one trend that still persists

is the lack of women representation in all these categories. Apart from the services sector

(teaching mostly), it is hard to find women economic activity in Buner's economy.

6.1 AGRICULTUREMain crops of the area include Wheat, Maize, Tobacco and Sugarcane. Rice is also

cultivated in the riverine areas but the total output is quite low (457 tonnes in 2006-07).

Vegetable production is also low however potato, ladyfinger, pumpkins, beans, tomato

are grown on small scale. The fable below shows vegetables produced in Buner in 2007,

08.

Table: Area, Production, Yield per Hectare, Production Per Capita and Percentage

Share of Vegetables in Buner, 2007-08

A few types of fruits are also grown in the area such as apricot, wild persimmon, mulberry and

Apples. The total output of fruits in the district is presented in the table below.

Table: Area, Production, Yield Per Hectare, Production Per Capita And Percentage Share of Fruits in Buner, 2007-08

PRSP draft for NWFP recommends “initiating district level studies to assess how best to

develop and promote horticulture and vegetable farming, food processing including fruit

preservation, timber and non timber forest products exploitation and mineral and gems

development on modern business lines”.

It is worth mentioning here that there are no government provided storage facilities in

District Buner.

6.1.1 Land Utilization in BunerLand utilization in NWFP is lower as compared to Punjab and Sindh provinces. The same

trend is reflected in various districts. For Buner, a total of 172431 hectares is available for

cultivation out of which 55457 hectares is actually cultivated (32%) while almost 9 % is

fallow land. 40983 hectares of Buner's land comprises forest.

There is a great potential for making the fallow lands available for cultivation and

increase the area under forest.

In the preceding, the major crops, yields, and area under cultivation is presented along

with a comparative analysis of Buner with border districts of Swabi, Mardan, Swat,

Shangla as well as provincial averages.

6.1.2 TobaccoTobacco is the major cash crop in district Buner as well as the surrounding districts.

Buner on the average produces 8% of the total provincial tobacco's production.

This area is famous for fine quality tobacco regionally. The total acreage of tobacco in

NWFP for the period 2006-07 was 36457 hectares. The districts of Mardan, Swabi, Swat

and Buner together produce tobacco at 26329 hectares which is 72% of the total area

under tobacco cultivation in NWFP. Importantly together these districts produced 64192

tonnes of tobacco which translates into 73% of the total NWFP's production.

Area ProductionYield per hectare

Production per capita

Distt: % share of Area with

NWFP

Distt: % share of production with NWFP

000 Hectare 000 Ton Kgs Kgs % %

0.44 4.08 9272.7 5.6 1.1 0.96

Source: Agriculture Statistics NWFP, Peshawar

29Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 28

Area ProductionYield per hectare

Production per capita

Distt: % share of Area with

NWFP

Distt: % share of production with NWFP

000 Hectare 000 Ton Kgs Kgs % %

0.53 6.18 11660 8 1.70 1.18

Source: Agriculture Statistics NWFP, Peshawar

Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 36: Buner Report

Cu

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3,93

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Bun

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98,7

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116,

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70,4

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dan

162,

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112,

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82,5

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126,

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6949

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3,13

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932

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Sha

ngla

137,

442

41,7

2040

,185

1,53

580

,370

40,1

8595

,722

49,3

5939

,848

6,51

5

Sw

abi

148,

689

87,0

4676

,822

10,2

2410

5,40

228

,580

61,6

4326

,630

26,5

058,

508

Sw

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6,52

898

,054

97,6

7537

918

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588

,330

408,

474

84,5

2413

6,70

518

7,24

5

Tab

le 5

.1:

lan

d u

tili

zati

on f

or N

WF

P, B

un

er a

nd

ad

join

ing

dis

tric

ts

Sou

rce:

Dir

ecto

r A

gric

ultu

re S

tati

stic

s, N

WF

P, P

esha

war

As is evident from table 5-2, Buner's tobacco's acreage is lesser than the two big

producers of tobacco (Districts Swabi and Mardan). Same is the case with the yield per

hectare which is lesser than that of the Province as whole. The prime reason is uncertain

water supplies as almost the whole of Buner is dependent on rain water for irrigation.

Shortage of fertilizer and access to quality insecticides were cited as some of the major

reasons for less production in Buner by farmers during the FGD.

Buner has a bigger potential for being a big player in the local tobacco market provided

water and non water inputs are made available. There also is a need for financial services

to local small farmers as well as coherent penetration of the two giant tobacco companies

in the area.

Tobacco is a labour intensive crop and has the potential to create jobs, particulary for

vulnerable segments of the society.

Table 5-2: District wise area, production, and yield per hectare of Tobacco in selected districts of NWFP (Area in Hectares, Production in Tons & Yield in Kgs)

6.1.3WheatWheat is the staple diet of the area. Together with the neighbouring districts, Buner

produces quality wheat for local consumption though it falls short of the local demand

persistently.

The province of NWFP almost always records deficit wheat. Compared with its

bordering districts, Buner's climate as well as local food security requires good wheat

production consistently. The per hectare wheat production is a little lower than that of the

provincial average but significantly lower than neighbouring irrigation districts.

In the season 2006-07, Buner produced around 7% of the total's province's wheat

production with wheat cultivated on more area than in the adjoined irrigated districts of

Mardan and Swabi.

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

AreaProductio

nYield per

Hectare in kgArea

Production

Yield per Hectare in kg

AreaProductio

nYield per

Hectare in kg

N.W.F.P 32,143 77,335 2,406 36,457 87,870 2,410 36,457 87,870 2,410

Buner 3,182 7,385 2,321 3,633 7,300 2,009 3,633 7,300 2,009

Mardan 6,012 15,675 2,607 7,238 18,464 2,551 7,238 18,464 2,551

Swabi 13,584 33,306 2,452 15,088 37,919 2,513 15,088 37,919 2,513

Swat 767 1,370 1,786 370 509 1,376 370 509 1,376

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

31Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 30Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 37: Buner Report

Cu

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For

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Not

A

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fo

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N.W

.F.P

5,61

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682,

719

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1,40

952

1,31

01,

646,

205

484,

796

3,93

7,01

31,

041,

662

1,04

1,66

21,

610,

595

Bun

er17

2,43

155

,457

50,5

304,

927

98,7

4948

,219

116,

974

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,983

70,4

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Mar

dan

162,

085

112,

834

82,5

9230

,242

126,

661

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6949

,251

3,13

87,

932

38,1

81

Sha

ngla

137,

442

41,7

2040

,185

1,53

580

,370

40,1

8595

,722

49,3

5939

,848

6,51

5

Sw

abi

148,

689

87,0

4676

,822

10,2

2410

5,40

228

,580

61,6

4326

,630

26,5

058,

508

Sw

at50

6,52

898

,054

97,6

7537

918

6,00

588

,330

408,

474

84,5

2413

6,70

518

7,24

5

Tab

le 5

.1:

lan

d u

tili

zati

on f

or N

WF

P, B

un

er a

nd

ad

join

ing

dis

tric

ts

Sou

rce:

Dir

ecto

r A

gric

ultu

re S

tati

stic

s, N

WF

P, P

esha

war

As is evident from table 5-2, Buner's tobacco's acreage is lesser than the two big

producers of tobacco (Districts Swabi and Mardan). Same is the case with the yield per

hectare which is lesser than that of the Province as whole. The prime reason is uncertain

water supplies as almost the whole of Buner is dependent on rain water for irrigation.

Shortage of fertilizer and access to quality insecticides were cited as some of the major

reasons for less production in Buner by farmers during the FGD.

Buner has a bigger potential for being a big player in the local tobacco market provided

water and non water inputs are made available. There also is a need for financial services

to local small farmers as well as coherent penetration of the two giant tobacco companies

in the area.

Tobacco is a labour intensive crop and has the potential to create jobs, particulary for

vulnerable segments of the society.

Table 5-2: District wise area, production, and yield per hectare of Tobacco in selected districts of NWFP (Area in Hectares, Production in Tons & Yield in Kgs)

6.1.3WheatWheat is the staple diet of the area. Together with the neighbouring districts, Buner

produces quality wheat for local consumption though it falls short of the local demand

persistently.

The province of NWFP almost always records deficit wheat. Compared with its

bordering districts, Buner's climate as well as local food security requires good wheat

production consistently. The per hectare wheat production is a little lower than that of the

provincial average but significantly lower than neighbouring irrigation districts.

In the season 2006-07, Buner produced around 7% of the total's province's wheat

production with wheat cultivated on more area than in the adjoined irrigated districts of

Mardan and Swabi.

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

AreaProductio

nYield per

Hectare in kgArea

Production

Yield per Hectare in kg

AreaProductio

nYield per

Hectare in kg

N.W.F.P 32,143 77,335 2,406 36,457 87,870 2,410 36,457 87,870 2,410

Buner 3,182 7,385 2,321 3,633 7,300 2,009 3,633 7,300 2,009

Mardan 6,012 15,675 2,607 7,238 18,464 2,551 7,238 18,464 2,551

Swabi 13,584 33,306 2,452 15,088 37,919 2,513 15,088 37,919 2,513

Swat 767 1,370 1,786 370 509 1,376 370 509 1,376

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

31Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 30Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 38: Buner Report

Table 5-3: District wise area, production, and yield per hectare of WHEAT in selected districts of NWFP (Area in Hectares, Production in Tons & Yield in Kgs)

6.1.4 Wheat Availability & Food SecurityNWFP has always been a wheat deficit province, the short fall is recouped through

allocations made by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) from

indigenous wheat or imports from abroad. Annual wheat requirement of the province is

based on the population of the NWFP (settled areas) plus population of FATA and Afghan

Refugees living in the province at prescribed scale of 124kg per head per annum. (Food

Department, Govt of NWFP)

Amongst its neighbouring districts, Buner has the second lowest population and

corresponding wheat requirements (81 thousand tonnes). The local wheat production is

almost entirely rain dependent. There was a deficit of 16 thousand tonnes in 2006-07, a

trend that can be extrapolated to expand in face of the current crisis. There are fears that

the ongoing year's production has largely been wasted due to the start of conflict in

wheat's harvest season, and the district might experience a high shortfall of wheat in the

preceding year.

Table 5-4: Wheat Availability District Wise (in Thousand Tons.) 2006-07

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Area ProductionYield per

Hectare in kgArea Production

Yield per Hectare in kg

Area ProductionYield per

Hectare in kg

N.W.F.P 636,525 948,614 1,490 609,170 956,502 1,570 638,109 1,011,757 1,586

Buner 51,485 65,064 1,264 48,564 67,810 1,396 49,361 72,253 1,464

Mardan 44,937 78,869 1,755 44,988 89,891 1,998 44,949 99,801 2,220

Swabi 37,097 56,368 1,519 32,599 61,255 1,879 45,025 84,779 1,883

Swat 61,568 93,467 1,518 62,198 102,707 1,651 62,137 103,004 1,658

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

DistrictPopulation

(000)Wheat

RequirementWheat

ProductionNet

Availability

Difference (Deficit/ Access)

N.W.F.P 22,675 2,612 1,012 911 -1,701

Buner 70 81 72 65 -16

Mardan 1897 219 100 90 -129

Shangla 577 66 21 19 -47

Swabi 1,329 153 85 76 -77

Swat 1,685 194 103 93 -101

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

Food security in Buner is threatened in the wake of missing the harvest, particularly for

wheat crop. A joint study by Care Pakistan and IDEA asked respondents in camps/host

communities in Mardan and Charassda districts the following question.

“If you were to return in the next few weeks, does your household have adequate food

until the next harvest period?” 92% of the sampled respondents said they would not have

enough food for the rest of the season. A further probing on how the respondents are

going to cope with such insecurity, 51% said they would sell their assets and the rest

suggested a combination of using their already thin savings and seeking loans.

6.1.5 MaizeMaize is one of the major crops for the agricultural community of the district. Following

a trend line of maize production from 2004 to 2007, it is clear that Buner produces quality

maize in good quantities with a lower per hectare yield than that of neighbouring

districts. In 2006-07 it produced 72,253 tonnes of maize with a per hectare yield of 1464

kg. The lower per hectare produce can be attributed in large to the absence of perennial

water resources for irrigation purposes in the district.

Table 5-5: 3-years Maize production comparison between Buner and adjoining districts (Area in Hectares, Production in Tonnes & Yield in Kgs)

Source: extracted from IDEA-CIP joint assessment

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Area ProductionYield per

Hectare in kgArea Production

Yield per Hectare in kg

Area ProductionYield per

Hectare in kg

N.W.F.P 636,525 948,614 1,490 609,170 956,502 1,570 638,109 1,011,757 1,586

Buner 51,485 65,064 1,264 48,564 67,810 1,396 49,361 72,253 1,464

Mardan 44,937 78,869 1,755 44,988 89,891 1,998 44,949 99,801 2,220

Shangla 21,712 19,581 902 22,207 19,924 897 22,522 20,873 927

Swabi 37,097 56,368 1,519 32,599 61,255 1,879 45,025 84,779 1,883

Swat 61,568 93,467 1,518 62,198 102,707 1,651 62,137 103,004 1,658

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

33Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 32Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 39: Buner Report

Table 5-3: District wise area, production, and yield per hectare of WHEAT in selected districts of NWFP (Area in Hectares, Production in Tons & Yield in Kgs)

6.1.4 Wheat Availability & Food SecurityNWFP has always been a wheat deficit province, the short fall is recouped through

allocations made by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL) from

indigenous wheat or imports from abroad. Annual wheat requirement of the province is

based on the population of the NWFP (settled areas) plus population of FATA and Afghan

Refugees living in the province at prescribed scale of 124kg per head per annum. (Food

Department, Govt of NWFP)

Amongst its neighbouring districts, Buner has the second lowest population and

corresponding wheat requirements (81 thousand tonnes). The local wheat production is

almost entirely rain dependent. There was a deficit of 16 thousand tonnes in 2006-07, a

trend that can be extrapolated to expand in face of the current crisis. There are fears that

the ongoing year's production has largely been wasted due to the start of conflict in

wheat's harvest season, and the district might experience a high shortfall of wheat in the

preceding year.

Table 5-4: Wheat Availability District Wise (in Thousand Tons.) 2006-07

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Area ProductionYield per

Hectare in kgArea Production

Yield per Hectare in kg

Area ProductionYield per

Hectare in kg

N.W.F.P 636,525 948,614 1,490 609,170 956,502 1,570 638,109 1,011,757 1,586

Buner 51,485 65,064 1,264 48,564 67,810 1,396 49,361 72,253 1,464

Mardan 44,937 78,869 1,755 44,988 89,891 1,998 44,949 99,801 2,220

Swabi 37,097 56,368 1,519 32,599 61,255 1,879 45,025 84,779 1,883

Swat 61,568 93,467 1,518 62,198 102,707 1,651 62,137 103,004 1,658

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

DistrictPopulation

(000)Wheat

RequirementWheat

ProductionNet

Availability

Difference (Deficit/ Access)

N.W.F.P 22,675 2,612 1,012 911 -1,701

Buner 70 81 72 65 -16

Mardan 1897 219 100 90 -129

Shangla 577 66 21 19 -47

Swabi 1,329 153 85 76 -77

Swat 1,685 194 103 93 -101

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

Food security in Buner is threatened in the wake of missing the harvest, particularly for

wheat crop. A joint study by Care Pakistan and IDEA asked respondents in camps/host

communities in Mardan and Charassda districts the following question.

“If you were to return in the next few weeks, does your household have adequate food

until the next harvest period?” 92% of the sampled respondents said they would not have

enough food for the rest of the season. A further probing on how the respondents are

going to cope with such insecurity, 51% said they would sell their assets and the rest

suggested a combination of using their already thin savings and seeking loans.

6.1.5 MaizeMaize is one of the major crops for the agricultural community of the district. Following

a trend line of maize production from 2004 to 2007, it is clear that Buner produces quality

maize in good quantities with a lower per hectare yield than that of neighbouring

districts. In 2006-07 it produced 72,253 tonnes of maize with a per hectare yield of 1464

kg. The lower per hectare produce can be attributed in large to the absence of perennial

water resources for irrigation purposes in the district.

Table 5-5: 3-years Maize production comparison between Buner and adjoining districts (Area in Hectares, Production in Tonnes & Yield in Kgs)

Source: extracted from IDEA-CIP joint assessment

2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

Area ProductionYield per

Hectare in kgArea Production

Yield per Hectare in kg

Area ProductionYield per

Hectare in kg

N.W.F.P 636,525 948,614 1,490 609,170 956,502 1,570 638,109 1,011,757 1,586

Buner 51,485 65,064 1,264 48,564 67,810 1,396 49,361 72,253 1,464

Mardan 44,937 78,869 1,755 44,988 89,891 1,998 44,949 99,801 2,220

Shangla 21,712 19,581 902 22,207 19,924 897 22,522 20,873 927

Swabi 37,097 56,368 1,519 32,599 61,255 1,879 45,025 84,779 1,883

Swat 61,568 93,467 1,518 62,198 102,707 1,651 62,137 103,004 1,658

Source: Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

33Center for Public Policy Research

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The district's residents are asked not to cultivate maize in the ongoing season. The

government has banned maize cultivation citing security reasons. The agriculture

department Buner in its latest estimates (20th July 2009) warns that the district risks

losing 45000 hectares of maize crop worth 351 crore rupees.

6.2 HORTICULTUREThe area is famous for producing many types of fruits such as apricot, mulberry, fig,

plum, walnut, wild persimmon, pear, peach, citrus and apples. However there is no big

scale horticulture activities reported in the District.

6.3 LIVESTOCKThere were a total of 785,618 ruminant heads in Buner in 2006-07 including cattle,

buffaloes, sheep, goats, camel, horses and poultry. Cattles outnumber any other

ruminants in the district. Buffaloes are also kept in large numbers but not favoured

because of their huge water requirements..

The livestock are considered as a supplementary source of income and serves the dietary

needs of the local population.

There is not a single government provided veterinary service in the area. Some private

vets operate in Suwari and Daggar intermittently. Mostly traditional modes of healing are

relied upon for the health of such an important contributor to local food and livelihoods

security.

According to an assessment carried out by Save the Children NGO, 67 percent of

households owned livestock prior to the conflict. The most common animals owned were

cows and buffaloes, followed by sheep or goats, and horses or donkeys (see table). Of the

households which owned livestock, 36 percent either lost or sold animals during the

military operation and period of displacement. This mostly affected middle and lower-

income groups for whom animals are an important asset. Besides livestock, 93 percent of

households owned poultry (predominantly hens) with an average ownership of 9 hens

per household. During the conflict, 84 percent of households lost poultry.

Table5-6: Livestock in Buner, adjoining districts and NWFP

District Total Cattle Buffaloes Sheep Goats Poultry Camel Horse Asses Mules

N.W.F.P 27604214 3227865 1332390 1475943 4544271 16493846 41617 45273 398176 44833

Buner 785618 101006 83395 10200 70053 504223 762 507 12749 2723

Mardan 1618178 181561 100230 34326 126067 1158964 873 2303 13414 440

Swabi 1203005 170607 71118 15660 93302 813820 821 2658 34754 265

Swat 1626561 194312 100372 59713 179641 1074244 78 2394 13828 1979

Source: Directorate of livestock, Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

Another rapid joint assessment by IDEA and CIP suggest that of the 156 (32%)

households having livestock prior to migration, 54% have lost or sold all of their

livestock during or after migration.

6.4 INDUSTRIAL MINERALS According to the Directorate General of mines and minerals, the province has about 3

billion ton estimated resource of dimension stones (marble and granite) for basing its

mining and processing industries. Buner has a potentially thriving mineral industry.

Some of the major minerals include quartz, phosphate, dolomite, bayraite, and granite.

Above all the district produced 183961 tonnes of marble in 2006-07.

Table 5-7: Mineral Production in Buner 2004-2007

Since marble is the most important industry in Buner, this study made some research on

the loss of economic value to Buner's economy from this industry during the conflict.

6.5 MARBLE INDUSTRYMarble and Granite is the sixth largest mineral extracted, the others being coal, rock salt,

lime stone and china clay. Since 1990 mining & quarrying has consistently contributed

0.5% to the GDP. According to the industry estimates 1.37 million tons of marble and

granite were produced while 97% of it was consumed locally.

The SMEDA report on the mining industry in Pakistan suggests that mostly mining is

Type of Minerals

Buner production (in tonnes)

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-07

Barytes 8642 323 183

Dolomite 1700 130 -

Feldspar - 2617 2263

Granite - 980 228

Lime Stone - 400 140

Marble 105403 204334 183961

Phosphate 1435 - -

Quartz 290 278 536

Surpentine - 16 -

Source: Directorate General Mines & Mineral Govt. of NWFP, Peshawar

35Center for Public Policy Research

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Page 41: Buner Report

The district's residents are asked not to cultivate maize in the ongoing season. The

government has banned maize cultivation citing security reasons. The agriculture

department Buner in its latest estimates (20th July 2009) warns that the district risks

losing 45000 hectares of maize crop worth 351 crore rupees.

6.2 HORTICULTUREThe area is famous for producing many types of fruits such as apricot, mulberry, fig,

plum, walnut, wild persimmon, pear, peach, citrus and apples. However there is no big

scale horticulture activities reported in the District.

6.3 LIVESTOCKThere were a total of 785,618 ruminant heads in Buner in 2006-07 including cattle,

buffaloes, sheep, goats, camel, horses and poultry. Cattles outnumber any other

ruminants in the district. Buffaloes are also kept in large numbers but not favoured

because of their huge water requirements..

The livestock are considered as a supplementary source of income and serves the dietary

needs of the local population.

There is not a single government provided veterinary service in the area. Some private

vets operate in Suwari and Daggar intermittently. Mostly traditional modes of healing are

relied upon for the health of such an important contributor to local food and livelihoods

security.

According to an assessment carried out by Save the Children NGO, 67 percent of

households owned livestock prior to the conflict. The most common animals owned were

cows and buffaloes, followed by sheep or goats, and horses or donkeys (see table). Of the

households which owned livestock, 36 percent either lost or sold animals during the

military operation and period of displacement. This mostly affected middle and lower-

income groups for whom animals are an important asset. Besides livestock, 93 percent of

households owned poultry (predominantly hens) with an average ownership of 9 hens

per household. During the conflict, 84 percent of households lost poultry.

Table5-6: Livestock in Buner, adjoining districts and NWFP

District Total Cattle Buffaloes Sheep Goats Poultry Camel Horse Asses Mules

N.W.F.P 27604214 3227865 1332390 1475943 4544271 16493846 41617 45273 398176 44833

Buner 785618 101006 83395 10200 70053 504223 762 507 12749 2723

Mardan 1618178 181561 100230 34326 126067 1158964 873 2303 13414 440

Swabi 1203005 170607 71118 15660 93302 813820 821 2658 34754 265

Swat 1626561 194312 100372 59713 179641 1074244 78 2394 13828 1979

Source: Directorate of livestock, Bureau of Statistics, NWFP

Another rapid joint assessment by IDEA and CIP suggest that of the 156 (32%)

households having livestock prior to migration, 54% have lost or sold all of their

livestock during or after migration.

6.4 INDUSTRIAL MINERALS According to the Directorate General of mines and minerals, the province has about 3

billion ton estimated resource of dimension stones (marble and granite) for basing its

mining and processing industries. Buner has a potentially thriving mineral industry.

Some of the major minerals include quartz, phosphate, dolomite, bayraite, and granite.

Above all the district produced 183961 tonnes of marble in 2006-07.

Table 5-7: Mineral Production in Buner 2004-2007

Since marble is the most important industry in Buner, this study made some research on

the loss of economic value to Buner's economy from this industry during the conflict.

6.5 MARBLE INDUSTRYMarble and Granite is the sixth largest mineral extracted, the others being coal, rock salt,

lime stone and china clay. Since 1990 mining & quarrying has consistently contributed

0.5% to the GDP. According to the industry estimates 1.37 million tons of marble and

granite were produced while 97% of it was consumed locally.

The SMEDA report on the mining industry in Pakistan suggests that mostly mining is

Type of Minerals

Buner production (in tonnes)

2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-07

Barytes 8642 323 183

Dolomite 1700 130 -

Feldspar - 2617 2263

Granite - 980 228

Lime Stone - 400 140

Marble 105403 204334 183961

Phosphate 1435 - -

Quartz 290 278 536

Surpentine - 16 -

Source: Directorate General Mines & Mineral Govt. of NWFP, Peshawar

35Center for Public Policy Research

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Page 42: Buner Report

done in the country through primitive techniques including uncontrolled blasting. In

majority of the mines basic machinery and equipment like compressors, drill sets and

lifters are not available. This not only leads to colossal wastage but also to low production

at mines. Average production of the majority of mines is 10 tons per day and none of the

mine owners and workers at mines knows the technical details of the reserves,

topography of the mine and chemical or geological analysis of the stone therein.

The directory of Industrial establishments 2007 records 175 marble factories with

investment ranging from a lowest 4 million to a highest 20 million in Buner. The average

number of employed people in unit factory is less than 10. The range of output per factory

varies from 15000 square foot to 40,000 square foot per month. Looking at the available

data, it is easy to infer that most of the factories have mushroomed towards the first five

years of this decade suggesting an intensified investment trend in the sector.

Some other government figures made available suggest that a total of 215 marble

factories and most of them received damages one way or the other. The following table

presents the current scenario and losses incurred due to non-operation.

The NWFP marble reserves constitute about 97 per cent of the country's total deposits.

Among 160.2 million tons of the total estimated reserves of marble in the country, 158

million tons are in the NWFP. Further break up of this reserve is presented in table below.

During the three months of military operation, the local marble industry was at a standstill. It still remains out of operations. According to a conservative estimate there are around 300 such factories in Buner spread through 5 bigger clusters.

Table 5-8: Marble factories and estimated losses incurred (28 Apr-20 July 2009)

Cluster Approximate reserves

Buner Over 100 million tons

Nowshera 1.65 million tons

Swabi 0.38 million tons

Swat 25 million tons

Khyber Agency 1 million tons

Malakand 1 million tons

Source: Cluster mapping of Pakistan's marble sector (NWFP), 2002

Cluster area No. of marble factories Estimated losses

Chamla & Sunigram 78 31,200,000

Dewanababa 41 861,000

Salarzi 53 11,660,000

Karakar 43 9,460,000

Total 215 6,0930,000

Source: DCO office, Buner

37Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 36Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

The NWFP economic report conducted an integrated value chain analysis for the marble

sector in NWFP. According to the report, 26% of total costs (including return on capital,

hence total costs equal sales price) in marble production came from polishing, followed

by packaging and distribution at 23% and stone extraction at 21%. Each stage reveals a

number of cross cutting issues. Poor property rights at the extraction stage create weak

incentives to create the type of investment that might increase the yield of high value

blocks. The result is a chain that has excessive transport costs at the extraction stage and

extra polishing costs. Entrepreneurs in the marble sector also contend with high

electricity costs. Due the nature of stone extraction and the poor techniques and

technology used by the industry participants, industrial waste in marble extraction and

processing is higher in Pakistan than other major competing countries.

The same report documents the percent of waste from Marble mining and processing for

2003/04. The total percent of waste is approximately 90-95% of which More than 60% of

the waste occurs in mining, and 25-35% in processing.

The Cluster Mapping of Pakistan's Marble Sector (CMPMS) NWFP, 2002, herein after

referred to as CMPMS, establishes the following major types of marble in Buner.

1. Grey marble is marketed as 'Sunny Grey'. Grey marble is explored in the western and

southwestern parts of the area. Its exposed thickness in the project area is about 350

meters. It forms the highest peaks and ridges within the project site.

2. White marble with black streaks contains carbonaceous material. It is medium to

coarse-textured. The marble is medium to thick-bedded. It has widely spaced joints

and fractures.

3. Black marble is located in the west. The marble is medium to thick-bedded. It is hard

and compact and highly fractured at places. The black marble in the area is mostly

processed for thin plates used in floor for arrangement of different shapes.

Marble Reserves in Buner

Source: Cluster Mapping of Pakistan's Marble Sector (NWFP), 2002

Page 43: Buner Report

done in the country through primitive techniques including uncontrolled blasting. In

majority of the mines basic machinery and equipment like compressors, drill sets and

lifters are not available. This not only leads to colossal wastage but also to low production

at mines. Average production of the majority of mines is 10 tons per day and none of the

mine owners and workers at mines knows the technical details of the reserves,

topography of the mine and chemical or geological analysis of the stone therein.

The directory of Industrial establishments 2007 records 175 marble factories with

investment ranging from a lowest 4 million to a highest 20 million in Buner. The average

number of employed people in unit factory is less than 10. The range of output per factory

varies from 15000 square foot to 40,000 square foot per month. Looking at the available

data, it is easy to infer that most of the factories have mushroomed towards the first five

years of this decade suggesting an intensified investment trend in the sector.

Some other government figures made available suggest that a total of 215 marble

factories and most of them received damages one way or the other. The following table

presents the current scenario and losses incurred due to non-operation.

The NWFP marble reserves constitute about 97 per cent of the country's total deposits.

Among 160.2 million tons of the total estimated reserves of marble in the country, 158

million tons are in the NWFP. Further break up of this reserve is presented in table below.

During the three months of military operation, the local marble industry was at a standstill. It still remains out of operations. According to a conservative estimate there are around 300 such factories in Buner spread through 5 bigger clusters.

Table 5-8: Marble factories and estimated losses incurred (28 Apr-20 July 2009)

Cluster Approximate reserves

Buner Over 100 million tons

Nowshera 1.65 million tons

Swabi 0.38 million tons

Swat 25 million tons

Khyber Agency 1 million tons

Malakand 1 million tons

Source: Cluster mapping of Pakistan's marble sector (NWFP), 2002

Cluster area No. of marble factories Estimated losses

Chamla & Sunigram 78 31,200,000

Dewanababa 41 861,000

Salarzi 53 11,660,000

Karakar 43 9,460,000

Total 215 6,0930,000

Source: DCO office, Buner

37Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 36Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

The NWFP economic report conducted an integrated value chain analysis for the marble

sector in NWFP. According to the report, 26% of total costs (including return on capital,

hence total costs equal sales price) in marble production came from polishing, followed

by packaging and distribution at 23% and stone extraction at 21%. Each stage reveals a

number of cross cutting issues. Poor property rights at the extraction stage create weak

incentives to create the type of investment that might increase the yield of high value

blocks. The result is a chain that has excessive transport costs at the extraction stage and

extra polishing costs. Entrepreneurs in the marble sector also contend with high

electricity costs. Due the nature of stone extraction and the poor techniques and

technology used by the industry participants, industrial waste in marble extraction and

processing is higher in Pakistan than other major competing countries.

The same report documents the percent of waste from Marble mining and processing for

2003/04. The total percent of waste is approximately 90-95% of which More than 60% of

the waste occurs in mining, and 25-35% in processing.

The Cluster Mapping of Pakistan's Marble Sector (CMPMS) NWFP, 2002, herein after

referred to as CMPMS, establishes the following major types of marble in Buner.

1. Grey marble is marketed as 'Sunny Grey'. Grey marble is explored in the western and

southwestern parts of the area. Its exposed thickness in the project area is about 350

meters. It forms the highest peaks and ridges within the project site.

2. White marble with black streaks contains carbonaceous material. It is medium to

coarse-textured. The marble is medium to thick-bedded. It has widely spaced joints

and fractures.

3. Black marble is located in the west. The marble is medium to thick-bedded. It is hard

and compact and highly fractured at places. The black marble in the area is mostly

processed for thin plates used in floor for arrangement of different shapes.

Marble Reserves in Buner

Source: Cluster Mapping of Pakistan's Marble Sector (NWFP), 2002

Page 44: Buner Report

6.6 OTHER INDUSTRIES:The industrial base of Buner is entirely based on marble. There are a few other industries

outlined in table below. For most part those industries are non operational. There is only

one functional flour mill in Buner with installed capacity of 140 tons/day.

Table 5-9: Other major industries in Buner, 2007

6.7 OTHER ECONOMIC SOURCES

6.7.1 Retail businesses Retail is another bigger sector in the local economy with villages in far off mountainous

areas. Interviews were conducted with local retail merchants in 6 locations, including

Sawarai, shal Bandai, Daggar, and Ambela. The local retail businesses have rudimentary

structures with little value addition over longer time frames. There is a severe dearth of

financial opportunities and relatives/friends remain the only source of credit and that too

with a thin credit line.

The retail sector is perpetually in debt. Expansion or specialization of the sector needs to

be undertaken. It has the potential to become a key engine in local prosperity.

6.7.2 Remittances The focused group discussions on traditional livelihoods patterns in the communities

shows that remittances play a crucial role in local livelihoods mechanisms. It is hard to

Name of the unityear of

establishment

item of production

installed capacity

Investment Rs (million)

No. of workers

Buner Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd Johar, Buner.

1998 Flour 200 tons/day 27.5 Closed

Ghori Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd: Buner

2001 Flour 140 tons/day 14.5 7

Ali Brothers Ice factory, daggar, Buer

1997 ice 20 tons/day 2.7 Closed

Ittifaq ice factory, Swari, Buner

1997 ice 10 tons/day 1.7 Closed

Shamakai rice husking, Buner

1980 Rice 1.5 tons/day 0.15 3

Summer Tobacco Co: (Pvt) Ltd: Agarai, Buner.

1991 cigarettes600 Mln

Nos/ annum3.791 Closed

Buner Aluminium, Suwari, Buner

1998aluminium

utensils30 tonnes/

annum0.58 Closed

Source: Department of Industries, Commerce, Labour & Mineral Development, Govt of NWFP

find a single household in most of the villages where at least one of the family members is

not in Malaysia or any of the Gulf States. There are some villages in Buner where Malaya

language is spoken and understood with equal ease as that of local dialect.

It is estimated that, if a household survey is conducted in Buner, remittances will be 2nd

or 3rd highest source of income. Employment opportunities are negligible and 86% of

the population is dependent on remittances.

In the same vein, the Malakand Rural Development Project (MRDP) carried out a survey

with a portion dedicated to remittance factor. The report gives the following insight;

“…the proportion of the economically active population involved in farming was the

lowest, about 63% amongst other districts of Malakand agency. There was a

correspondingly low amount of people involved in unskilled labour. However, workers

in Buner pursued an income-maximising strategy whereby a large proportion of them

worked overseas (about 23% of the sampled population). Ground evidence supported

this finding.”

No doubt then that Buner has the second highest per capita income amongst all districts

in NWFP as reported by the NWFP's Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey. The report

suggest that 22% of Buner's population is working overseas, only second to Hangu

district in NWFP.

6.7.3 Religious & cultural tourismBuner is famous for the Shrines of Sayed Ali Tarmazi alias Pir Baba, Diwana Baba and

Pir Mehmod Baba of Shalbandi. Every summer thousands of pilgrims from all over the

tribal areas and settled districts of NWFP visit these shrines. During the field interviews

local businesses said that they have suffered from the declining trend of tourists to their

area. they feared that the trend is likely to prevail in the foreseeable future due to the

conflict situation in the area.

The fading trend of cultural tourism to the area has also impacted the local cultural

values, said Ghani Rehma, an elder in Shalbandai village. He said that we always had

beneficial interaction with outsiders and have shared a great deal on local politics,

traditions, dresses, culinary skills, games and folk wisdom etc.

39Center for Public Policy Research

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6.6 OTHER INDUSTRIES:The industrial base of Buner is entirely based on marble. There are a few other industries

outlined in table below. For most part those industries are non operational. There is only

one functional flour mill in Buner with installed capacity of 140 tons/day.

Table 5-9: Other major industries in Buner, 2007

6.7 OTHER ECONOMIC SOURCES

6.7.1 Retail businesses Retail is another bigger sector in the local economy with villages in far off mountainous

areas. Interviews were conducted with local retail merchants in 6 locations, including

Sawarai, shal Bandai, Daggar, and Ambela. The local retail businesses have rudimentary

structures with little value addition over longer time frames. There is a severe dearth of

financial opportunities and relatives/friends remain the only source of credit and that too

with a thin credit line.

The retail sector is perpetually in debt. Expansion or specialization of the sector needs to

be undertaken. It has the potential to become a key engine in local prosperity.

6.7.2 Remittances The focused group discussions on traditional livelihoods patterns in the communities

shows that remittances play a crucial role in local livelihoods mechanisms. It is hard to

Name of the unityear of

establishment

item of production

installed capacity

Investment Rs (million)

No. of workers

Buner Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd Johar, Buner.

1998 Flour 200 tons/day 27.5 Closed

Ghori Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd: Buner

2001 Flour 140 tons/day 14.5 7

Ali Brothers Ice factory, daggar, Buer

1997 ice 20 tons/day 2.7 Closed

Ittifaq ice factory, Swari, Buner

1997 ice 10 tons/day 1.7 Closed

Shamakai rice husking, Buner

1980 Rice 1.5 tons/day 0.15 3

Summer Tobacco Co: (Pvt) Ltd: Agarai, Buner.

1991 cigarettes600 Mln

Nos/ annum3.791 Closed

Buner Aluminium, Suwari, Buner

1998aluminium

utensils30 tonnes/

annum0.58 Closed

Source: Department of Industries, Commerce, Labour & Mineral Development, Govt of NWFP

find a single household in most of the villages where at least one of the family members is

not in Malaysia or any of the Gulf States. There are some villages in Buner where Malaya

language is spoken and understood with equal ease as that of local dialect.

It is estimated that, if a household survey is conducted in Buner, remittances will be 2nd

or 3rd highest source of income. Employment opportunities are negligible and 86% of

the population is dependent on remittances.

In the same vein, the Malakand Rural Development Project (MRDP) carried out a survey

with a portion dedicated to remittance factor. The report gives the following insight;

“…the proportion of the economically active population involved in farming was the

lowest, about 63% amongst other districts of Malakand agency. There was a

correspondingly low amount of people involved in unskilled labour. However, workers

in Buner pursued an income-maximising strategy whereby a large proportion of them

worked overseas (about 23% of the sampled population). Ground evidence supported

this finding.”

No doubt then that Buner has the second highest per capita income amongst all districts

in NWFP as reported by the NWFP's Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey. The report

suggest that 22% of Buner's population is working overseas, only second to Hangu

district in NWFP.

6.7.3 Religious & cultural tourismBuner is famous for the Shrines of Sayed Ali Tarmazi alias Pir Baba, Diwana Baba and

Pir Mehmod Baba of Shalbandi. Every summer thousands of pilgrims from all over the

tribal areas and settled districts of NWFP visit these shrines. During the field interviews

local businesses said that they have suffered from the declining trend of tourists to their

area. they feared that the trend is likely to prevail in the foreseeable future due to the

conflict situation in the area.

The fading trend of cultural tourism to the area has also impacted the local cultural

values, said Ghani Rehma, an elder in Shalbandai village. He said that we always had

beneficial interaction with outsiders and have shared a great deal on local politics,

traditions, dresses, culinary skills, games and folk wisdom etc.

39Center for Public Policy Research

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Page 46: Buner Report

NWFP is by far the poorest province of Pakistan, with an overall incidence of poverty

substantially higher than that for the country as a whole (poverty headcount in 1998-99 for

NWFP is 43% as compared to 33% for Pakistan). Both urban and rural poverty in NWFP are

higher than that for the entire country (poverty headcounts for urban and rural NWFP are 31%

and 47% respectively, compared to 24% and 36% respectively for all of Pakistan).

The poverty rate in NWFP has declined steadily, particularly for urban areas, in the past two

decades with no clear trends over longer spans of time. For example between 1993 and 1999, the

decline in urban poverty in NWFP still does not match the reduced poverty throughout the rest of

the country (see figure 7-1)

Figure 7-1: The continuously deteriorating NWFP poverty situation 1993 to 1999

7.1 POVERTY CHARACTERISTICSBuner, like the rest of the NWFP, presents unique characteristics of poverty.

nTo a larger extent poverty in Buner is due to its geography, historical evolution and

location;

nThe area does not hold diverse natural resources. Empirical evidence suggests that

single resource rural areas fare worse than those having diverse resources. This

proposition holds truer for areas that are or have been in conflict.

nThe whole of district Buner is characterized as rural. A cursory look at rural-urban

disparities in NWFP and across Pakistan suggests that rural areas are poorer than

urban centers.

4 Draft Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers 2003, government of NWFP

7 Poverty Profile

Source: Source: Draft PRSP NWFP, 2003

nSimilarly gender gaps, another dimension of poverty, tend to be wider in rural areas

than in urban areas of NWFP.

nLand ownership in rural NWFP is less concentrated than for the rest of the country,

and there is prevalence of small landholdings, low agriculture productivity and high

rural poverty.

7.2 CORRELATES OF POVERTYReview of secondary data and empirical evidence from the field clearly shows that the

poverty correlates for the rest of NWFP stands true for Buner district as well. Some of the

major correlates are given below;

nThe poor are more likely to live in larger households and Buner has higher incidence

of large households(9 persons per household as reported by the 1998 census)

nPoverty is associated with lack of asset ownership. The average size of agricultural

land owned by poor households is 0.25 hectares in rural NWFP, a case that fits

Buner's land distribution;

nSmall and marginal landholders are almost equally poor as those who own no land.

Poverty among large landowners is significantly lower. This is particularly true for

Buner as no perennial sources of irrigation are present. Tube wells are either costly to

install, the aquifer too shallow, or there is no energy to run them;

nPoverty is strongly associated with lack of human capital, measured by the education

and literacy status of the head of the household and looking at the literacy rates of

Buner suggest this to be the case.

7.3 POVERTY RANKING OF BUNER DISTRICTTable 7-1 below presents ranking of districts based on six key indicators: infant

mortality, primary school enrolment, adult literacy, water and sanitation and income per

day per capita. The results from MICS show that there is considerable variation within

the province in terms of poverty and social indicators. Districts of Kohistan, Upper Dir,

Bunner, Batagram, Shanga and Tank are among the poorest six districts in NWFP, and

ranking extremely low in terms of social indicators.

Out of the 24 districts in the province, Buner ranks 13 on the composite indicators scale.

On the non income dimensions of poverty, the district is far behind the rest of NWFP. For

example, it ranks far below other districts on infant mortality (9th), primary education

enrolment (20th), usage of safe drinking water, adequate toiled facilities, and urban

population (22nd). On income per day per capita however, it is the 2nd ranked district.

41Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 40Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 47: Buner Report

NWFP is by far the poorest province of Pakistan, with an overall incidence of poverty

substantially higher than that for the country as a whole (poverty headcount in 1998-99 for

NWFP is 43% as compared to 33% for Pakistan). Both urban and rural poverty in NWFP are

higher than that for the entire country (poverty headcounts for urban and rural NWFP are 31%

and 47% respectively, compared to 24% and 36% respectively for all of Pakistan).

The poverty rate in NWFP has declined steadily, particularly for urban areas, in the past two

decades with no clear trends over longer spans of time. For example between 1993 and 1999, the

decline in urban poverty in NWFP still does not match the reduced poverty throughout the rest of

the country (see figure 7-1)

Figure 7-1: The continuously deteriorating NWFP poverty situation 1993 to 1999

7.1 POVERTY CHARACTERISTICSBuner, like the rest of the NWFP, presents unique characteristics of poverty.

nTo a larger extent poverty in Buner is due to its geography, historical evolution and

location;

nThe area does not hold diverse natural resources. Empirical evidence suggests that

single resource rural areas fare worse than those having diverse resources. This

proposition holds truer for areas that are or have been in conflict.

nThe whole of district Buner is characterized as rural. A cursory look at rural-urban

disparities in NWFP and across Pakistan suggests that rural areas are poorer than

urban centers.

4 Draft Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers 2003, government of NWFP

7 Poverty Profile

Source: Source: Draft PRSP NWFP, 2003

nSimilarly gender gaps, another dimension of poverty, tend to be wider in rural areas

than in urban areas of NWFP.

nLand ownership in rural NWFP is less concentrated than for the rest of the country,

and there is prevalence of small landholdings, low agriculture productivity and high

rural poverty.

7.2 CORRELATES OF POVERTYReview of secondary data and empirical evidence from the field clearly shows that the

poverty correlates for the rest of NWFP stands true for Buner district as well. Some of the

major correlates are given below;

nThe poor are more likely to live in larger households and Buner has higher incidence

of large households(9 persons per household as reported by the 1998 census)

nPoverty is associated with lack of asset ownership. The average size of agricultural

land owned by poor households is 0.25 hectares in rural NWFP, a case that fits

Buner's land distribution;

nSmall and marginal landholders are almost equally poor as those who own no land.

Poverty among large landowners is significantly lower. This is particularly true for

Buner as no perennial sources of irrigation are present. Tube wells are either costly to

install, the aquifer too shallow, or there is no energy to run them;

nPoverty is strongly associated with lack of human capital, measured by the education

and literacy status of the head of the household and looking at the literacy rates of

Buner suggest this to be the case.

7.3 POVERTY RANKING OF BUNER DISTRICTTable 7-1 below presents ranking of districts based on six key indicators: infant

mortality, primary school enrolment, adult literacy, water and sanitation and income per

day per capita. The results from MICS show that there is considerable variation within

the province in terms of poverty and social indicators. Districts of Kohistan, Upper Dir,

Bunner, Batagram, Shanga and Tank are among the poorest six districts in NWFP, and

ranking extremely low in terms of social indicators.

Out of the 24 districts in the province, Buner ranks 13 on the composite indicators scale.

On the non income dimensions of poverty, the district is far behind the rest of NWFP. For

example, it ranks far below other districts on infant mortality (9th), primary education

enrolment (20th), usage of safe drinking water, adequate toiled facilities, and urban

population (22nd). On income per day per capita however, it is the 2nd ranked district.

41Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 40Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 48: Buner Report

Table: NWFP- Summary results of districts by Rankings

7.4 HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND POVERTYBuner fares well on the income poverty indicator. One recent survey carried out by Care

Pakistan on the IDPs asked respondents to place their households in different income

categories. Of those that responded, 8.4% had household incomes less than Rs.

1000/month, 10.8% from Rs. 1001-2000/month, 16.3% from Rs. 2001-4000, 15.7%

from 4001-6000, 12.7% from 6001-8000, 12.3% from 8001-10000, 10.5% from 10,001-

15000, 6.9% from 15001-25000, 4.3% above 25000 while 2.2% did not have consistent

income.

Grouped together, 41% of the households were found to be earning in the range of

Rs.4000-10000 per month. The lower end roughly equates to $50 per month and $ 1.66

per day. By the dollar one a day definition, they are not in the category of acute poverty.

DistrictCombined Rand

Inffant mortality

Enrolled in

primary

Adul literacy

15+

Use of safe

water

Adequate toilet

Average income per day

per capita

Urban pop

Haripur 1 1 2 2 14 2 3 12

Abbottabad 2 6 1 1 12 4 4 7

Malakand 3 2 3 7 4 8 8 15

Kohat 4 7 6 3 10 5 1 2

Mansehra 5 5 4 5 17 14 7 19

Peshawar 6 4 13 6 3 3 12 1

Nowshera 7 8 7 10 7 6 11 3

Mardan 8 12 5 11 6 13 9 5

Karak 9 3 14 4 11 19 15 17

Chitral 10 11 6 8 15 1 18 13

Hangu 11 10 16 14 16 9 5 4

Swabi 12 18 9 13 8 12 10 8

Bunner 13 9 20 22 19 18 2 22

Lower Dir 14 15 10 17 21 22 6 18

Swat 15 21 11 9 9 7 17 11

D I Khan 16 17 17 19 2 10 13 10

Charsadda 17 13 15 16 18 20 14 6

Bannu 18 16 19 12 1 16 20 16

Lakki Marwat 19 14 21 15 5 15 22 14

Tank 20 20 18 18 13 17 21 9

Batgram 21 23 12 21 20 21 16 21

Upper Dir 22 19 22 23 23 23 19 20

Shangla 23 22 23 20 22 11 24 24

Kohistan 24 24 24 24 24 24 23 23

Damage and Needs Assessment 8

43Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 42Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Source: District-based Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (2001)

In many post-conflict situations the creation of adequate economic, social and political

conditions to make a smoother return for displaced populations remains a huge challenge. There

is little chance for displaced people to return if their places of origin do not have schools, basic

health facilities and livelihoods. It is important that basic services such as water, roads, and

electricity are available.

During the two months military operations in Buner, substantial damage has been rendered to the

government property and civilian infrastructure. The demolished, damaged and partially

damaged infrastructure includes primary, secondary, and high schools, colleges, government

rest houses, roads, bridges, water supply systems, vehicles and houses. Police stations were

targeted at will and at least 25 police stations and related infrastructure stands destroyed (see

table 8-2).

Various government departments have conducted some early damage assessments but they can

be described modest, at best. Some of these assessments are presented in this section.

8.1 LOSS TO GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTUREAmongst government institutions, schools were discriminatorily targeted. Table 8-1 for

example assesses the damage only in two tehsils of Daggar and Gadezai only for major

government infrastructure. During the field visit a few primary schools were found

damaged in these two tehsils. By any intelligent guess it is not hard to imagine vast

destruction in the still “un-cleared” areas of Buner.

Table 8-1: Detail of loses to government education institutions (28 Apr- 20 July)

Name of Damaged Property Demolished Damaged Partially Damaged

Govt Higher Secondary School Daggar[

Govt Girls Degree College- Daggar[

Govt. Degree College Daggar[

Headquarter Compound[

Rest house Daggar[

Circuit house Daggar[

Govt Higher Secondary School Gadezi [

Govt Girls higher secondary School Gadezi [Source: District Coordinator Officer, District Buner

11

Page 49: Buner Report

Table: NWFP- Summary results of districts by Rankings

7.4 HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND POVERTYBuner fares well on the income poverty indicator. One recent survey carried out by Care

Pakistan on the IDPs asked respondents to place their households in different income

categories. Of those that responded, 8.4% had household incomes less than Rs.

1000/month, 10.8% from Rs. 1001-2000/month, 16.3% from Rs. 2001-4000, 15.7%

from 4001-6000, 12.7% from 6001-8000, 12.3% from 8001-10000, 10.5% from 10,001-

15000, 6.9% from 15001-25000, 4.3% above 25000 while 2.2% did not have consistent

income.

Grouped together, 41% of the households were found to be earning in the range of

Rs.4000-10000 per month. The lower end roughly equates to $50 per month and $ 1.66

per day. By the dollar one a day definition, they are not in the category of acute poverty.

DistrictCombined Rand

Inffant mortality

Enrolled in

primary

Adul literacy

15+

Use of safe

water

Adequate toilet

Average income per day

per capita

Urban pop

Haripur 1 1 2 2 14 2 3 12

Abbottabad 2 6 1 1 12 4 4 7

Malakand 3 2 3 7 4 8 8 15

Kohat 4 7 6 3 10 5 1 2

Mansehra 5 5 4 5 17 14 7 19

Peshawar 6 4 13 6 3 3 12 1

Nowshera 7 8 7 10 7 6 11 3

Mardan 8 12 5 11 6 13 9 5

Karak 9 3 14 4 11 19 15 17

Chitral 10 11 6 8 15 1 18 13

Hangu 11 10 16 14 16 9 5 4

Swabi 12 18 9 13 8 12 10 8

Bunner 13 9 20 22 19 18 2 22

Lower Dir 14 15 10 17 21 22 6 18

Swat 15 21 11 9 9 7 17 11

D I Khan 16 17 17 19 2 10 13 10

Charsadda 17 13 15 16 18 20 14 6

Bannu 18 16 19 12 1 16 20 16

Lakki Marwat 19 14 21 15 5 15 22 14

Tank 20 20 18 18 13 17 21 9

Batgram 21 23 12 21 20 21 16 21

Upper Dir 22 19 22 23 23 23 19 20

Shangla 23 22 23 20 22 11 24 24

Kohistan 24 24 24 24 24 24 23 23

Damage and Needs Assessment 8

43Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 42Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Source: District-based Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (2001)

In many post-conflict situations the creation of adequate economic, social and political

conditions to make a smoother return for displaced populations remains a huge challenge. There

is little chance for displaced people to return if their places of origin do not have schools, basic

health facilities and livelihoods. It is important that basic services such as water, roads, and

electricity are available.

During the two months military operations in Buner, substantial damage has been rendered to the

government property and civilian infrastructure. The demolished, damaged and partially

damaged infrastructure includes primary, secondary, and high schools, colleges, government

rest houses, roads, bridges, water supply systems, vehicles and houses. Police stations were

targeted at will and at least 25 police stations and related infrastructure stands destroyed (see

table 8-2).

Various government departments have conducted some early damage assessments but they can

be described modest, at best. Some of these assessments are presented in this section.

8.1 LOSS TO GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTUREAmongst government institutions, schools were discriminatorily targeted. Table 8-1 for

example assesses the damage only in two tehsils of Daggar and Gadezai only for major

government infrastructure. During the field visit a few primary schools were found

damaged in these two tehsils. By any intelligent guess it is not hard to imagine vast

destruction in the still “un-cleared” areas of Buner.

Table 8-1: Detail of loses to government education institutions (28 Apr- 20 July)

Name of Damaged Property Demolished Damaged Partially Damaged

Govt Higher Secondary School Daggar[

Govt Girls Degree College- Daggar[

Govt. Degree College Daggar[

Headquarter Compound[

Rest house Daggar[

Circuit house Daggar[

Govt Higher Secondary School Gadezi [

Govt Girls higher secondary School Gadezi [Source: District Coordinator Officer, District Buner

11

Page 50: Buner Report

No. Name of Police Station Demolished Damaged Partially Damaged

1. Police Post Chinglai [2. Police Quarter Chinglai [

3. Police station Gagra [

4 Police post Amnawar [

5 Police quarter Amnawar [

6 Police Post Torwarsak [

7 Police Post Durmai [

8 Police post Bagra [

9 Police Post Karakar [

10 Police quarter Karakar [

11 Police post Juwar [

12 Police quarters Juwar [

13 Police station Pir Baba [

14 Police post Kingergali [

15 Police post Nagrai [

16 Police post Ambela [

17 Police post Khanao Derai [

18 Police post Channar [

19 Police post Legani [

20 Police post Babaji Kandaw [

21 Police post Sra Thana [

22 Police post Gul Bandai [

23 Police post Darand Totalai [

24 Police rest house Karakar [

25 Police Mosque Karakar [

Table 8-2: Police stations damaged, demolished and partially damaged in Buner

45Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 44Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

In addition to police stations, other government property targeted includes infrastructure of revenue department, education, forest departments as well as property of Frontier Corps and District Councils.

Table 8-3: Summary of damages to government infrastructure in Buner

Government departments Total number

Police stations and infrastructure 25

Frontier Corps 1

Revenue department 4

Education department 7

District Council 1

Forest Department 2

Total 40

8.2 LOSS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY

8.2.1 Vehicles:29 vehicles in the early assessment by the DCO office are reported to be destroyed. This

includes trucks, motor cars, motor cycles, jeeps, raksha, and vans etc. However, this is an

unscientific and real early assessment covering limited geographic area of Buner. It is

feared that hundreds of vehicles have been completely destroyed or damaged during the

operations.

8.3 INITIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENTThe team's preliminary assessment suggests that there can be longer term interventions

in the following prioritized sectors;

Agriculture & Food security:

Suggested interventions in the agriculture sector can be farm loans, subsidized

availability of fertilizers, better seeds and insecticides, and above all provision of clean

water. The displacement of the farmers in harvest season is likely to result in acute food

shortages in the district. Rationing for food items at least until the next wheat crop was

also recommended by locals.

Source: district Coordination Offices, District Buner

Page 51: Buner Report

No. Name of Police Station Demolished Damaged Partially Damaged

1. Police Post Chinglai [2. Police Quarter Chinglai [

3. Police station Gagra [

4 Police post Amnawar [

5 Police quarter Amnawar [

6 Police Post Torwarsak [

7 Police Post Durmai [

8 Police post Bagra [

9 Police Post Karakar [

10 Police quarter Karakar [

11 Police post Juwar [

12 Police quarters Juwar [

13 Police station Pir Baba [

14 Police post Kingergali [

15 Police post Nagrai [

16 Police post Ambela [

17 Police post Khanao Derai [

18 Police post Channar [

19 Police post Legani [

20 Police post Babaji Kandaw [

21 Police post Sra Thana [

22 Police post Gul Bandai [

23 Police post Darand Totalai [

24 Police rest house Karakar [

25 Police Mosque Karakar [

Table 8-2: Police stations damaged, demolished and partially damaged in Buner

45Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 44Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

In addition to police stations, other government property targeted includes infrastructure of revenue department, education, forest departments as well as property of Frontier Corps and District Councils.

Table 8-3: Summary of damages to government infrastructure in Buner

Government departments Total number

Police stations and infrastructure 25

Frontier Corps 1

Revenue department 4

Education department 7

District Council 1

Forest Department 2

Total 40

8.2 LOSS TO PRIVATE PROPERTY

8.2.1 Vehicles:29 vehicles in the early assessment by the DCO office are reported to be destroyed. This

includes trucks, motor cars, motor cycles, jeeps, raksha, and vans etc. However, this is an

unscientific and real early assessment covering limited geographic area of Buner. It is

feared that hundreds of vehicles have been completely destroyed or damaged during the

operations.

8.3 INITIAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENTThe team's preliminary assessment suggests that there can be longer term interventions

in the following prioritized sectors;

Agriculture & Food security:

Suggested interventions in the agriculture sector can be farm loans, subsidized

availability of fertilizers, better seeds and insecticides, and above all provision of clean

water. The displacement of the farmers in harvest season is likely to result in acute food

shortages in the district. Rationing for food items at least until the next wheat crop was

also recommended by locals.

Source: district Coordination Offices, District Buner

Page 52: Buner Report

Education:

Education sector has been singled out by the militants for destruction. Most of the

militant activities throughout Pakistan specifically target schools, and universities,

particularly girls' schools and institutions. Special arrangements need to be made for the

lost time of students due to the displacement in Buner. Educational infrastructure needs

to be rebuild on priority basis.

Health:

Health facilities were not exemplary prior to the conflict. The militants have targeted and

looted the hospital equipment and burned down several facilities. Where the

infrastructure is intact, there is an acute shortage of doctors and paramedic, especially the

female staff. The paramedic staff also needs gender balancing. Incentives, such as

hardship allowances, might be a good idea for health professionals to work in the area.

8.4 Recommendations1. District officers, social welfare and support staff should be deployed as soon as

possible to the districts

2. Damages of building/properties need a thorough assessment.

3. The provincial government should foster long term engagement with specialized UN

agencies and other international humanitarian organization with the district

administration. For example, there is only one trauma center in Buner and with some

effort from the government by linking local BHUs/CH with relevant donors

(UNIFEM, UNICEF etc) for providing psycho-social centers will lead to

sustainability of the rehabilitation and reconstruction effort.

4. Shelter houses are required on immediate basis. They can be later turned into

community grain storages or put to other productive purposes.

5. A comprehensive conflict analysis should be carried out and based on that

meaningful interventions should be designed.

6. There is an acute need for livelihood generation on sustainable basis. The Marble

industry needs to be modernized in accordance with an exhaustive study (the Cluster

Mapping of Pakistan's marble industry; NWFP). In addition agriculture, particularly

the tobacco sector needs reforms.

Exhibit 1: Stakeholders' list

The following is a list of district level stakeholders- both public and private- contacted during the primary data collection exercise.

List of District Officials

S. No. Name Designation

1 Yahya Akhunzada DCO Buner

2 Rashid Khan DPO Buner

3 Abid Kamal EDO Agriculture

4 Musharraf Khan EDO Finance & Planning

5 Syed Bahadur Shah District Social Welfare Officer

6 Sher Afzal Khan Executive District Education Officer

7 Muhammad Sahib District Education Officer

8 Dr. Maqsood EDO Health

9 Liaqat Ali Khan TMO Dagger 1 and Secretary District Council

10 Mir Aslam Khan TMO Swarai

11 Jamshaid Khan SDO C&W

12 Faza-i-Aeeml Assistant Distrit Health Officer

47Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 46Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 53: Buner Report

Education:

Education sector has been singled out by the militants for destruction. Most of the

militant activities throughout Pakistan specifically target schools, and universities,

particularly girls' schools and institutions. Special arrangements need to be made for the

lost time of students due to the displacement in Buner. Educational infrastructure needs

to be rebuild on priority basis.

Health:

Health facilities were not exemplary prior to the conflict. The militants have targeted and

looted the hospital equipment and burned down several facilities. Where the

infrastructure is intact, there is an acute shortage of doctors and paramedic, especially the

female staff. The paramedic staff also needs gender balancing. Incentives, such as

hardship allowances, might be a good idea for health professionals to work in the area.

8.4 Recommendations1. District officers, social welfare and support staff should be deployed as soon as

possible to the districts

2. Damages of building/properties need a thorough assessment.

3. The provincial government should foster long term engagement with specialized UN

agencies and other international humanitarian organization with the district

administration. For example, there is only one trauma center in Buner and with some

effort from the government by linking local BHUs/CH with relevant donors

(UNIFEM, UNICEF etc) for providing psycho-social centers will lead to

sustainability of the rehabilitation and reconstruction effort.

4. Shelter houses are required on immediate basis. They can be later turned into

community grain storages or put to other productive purposes.

5. A comprehensive conflict analysis should be carried out and based on that

meaningful interventions should be designed.

6. There is an acute need for livelihood generation on sustainable basis. The Marble

industry needs to be modernized in accordance with an exhaustive study (the Cluster

Mapping of Pakistan's marble industry; NWFP). In addition agriculture, particularly

the tobacco sector needs reforms.

Exhibit 1: Stakeholders' list

The following is a list of district level stakeholders- both public and private- contacted during the primary data collection exercise.

List of District Officials

S. No. Name Designation

1 Yahya Akhunzada DCO Buner

2 Rashid Khan DPO Buner

3 Abid Kamal EDO Agriculture

4 Musharraf Khan EDO Finance & Planning

5 Syed Bahadur Shah District Social Welfare Officer

6 Sher Afzal Khan Executive District Education Officer

7 Muhammad Sahib District Education Officer

8 Dr. Maqsood EDO Health

9 Liaqat Ali Khan TMO Dagger 1 and Secretary District Council

10 Mir Aslam Khan TMO Swarai

11 Jamshaid Khan SDO C&W

12 Faza-i-Aeeml Assistant Distrit Health Officer

47Center for Public Policy Research

Socioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact 46Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 54: Buner Report

NOTES:

Pakistan Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP-I, 2005) and (PRSP-II, 2009)

NWFP Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (Draft- 2003)

Early Recovery Plan, Government of NWFP

Draft Assessments of the Executive District Officer Health, District Buner

Comprehensive Development Strategy 2009-15, Govt of NWFP

Draft Situation Analysis for Buner, International Medical Corp

Directorate of Food, NWFP Peshawar

Industrial Directory 2007. Industries, Commerce, Labour, Mineral Development, Technical Education Department, Govt of NWFP.

Marble and Granite Sector Brief, 2002. Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), Govt of Pakistan.

Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey of NWFP, May 2002.

Provincial Census Report of N.W.F.P October 2000.

District Health Profile Buner, Paiman

North West Frontier Province Economic Report, 2005. Poverty Reduction & Economic Management Unit, South Asia Region, World Bank & Govt of the NWFP

Horticulture Sector Brief by Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority, Govt of Pakistan.

Agriculture Census Organization (2000), Agriculture census 2000, Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan

Federal Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan Integrated Household Survey (PIHS) 1998/99 and 2001/2002 Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan.

Federal Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force Survey, Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan

Government of NWFP (2001), NWFP Multi Indicators Cluster Survey, Planning and development Department.

Government of NWFP (2004), Five Year Plan for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Peshawar: Works and Services department

Government of NWFP, Agricultural Statistics, Bureau of Statistics, Peshawar (various issues)

48Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 55: Buner Report

NOTES:

Pakistan Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP-I, 2005) and (PRSP-II, 2009)

NWFP Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (Draft- 2003)

Early Recovery Plan, Government of NWFP

Draft Assessments of the Executive District Officer Health, District Buner

Comprehensive Development Strategy 2009-15, Govt of NWFP

Draft Situation Analysis for Buner, International Medical Corp

Directorate of Food, NWFP Peshawar

Industrial Directory 2007. Industries, Commerce, Labour, Mineral Development, Technical Education Department, Govt of NWFP.

Marble and Granite Sector Brief, 2002. Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority (SMEDA), Govt of Pakistan.

Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey of NWFP, May 2002.

Provincial Census Report of N.W.F.P October 2000.

District Health Profile Buner, Paiman

North West Frontier Province Economic Report, 2005. Poverty Reduction & Economic Management Unit, South Asia Region, World Bank & Govt of the NWFP

Horticulture Sector Brief by Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority, Govt of Pakistan.

Agriculture Census Organization (2000), Agriculture census 2000, Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan

Federal Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan Integrated Household Survey (PIHS) 1998/99 and 2001/2002 Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan.

Federal Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force Survey, Statistics Division, Government of Pakistan

Government of NWFP (2001), NWFP Multi Indicators Cluster Survey, Planning and development Department.

Government of NWFP (2004), Five Year Plan for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Peshawar: Works and Services department

Government of NWFP, Agricultural Statistics, Bureau of Statistics, Peshawar (various issues)

48Center for Public Policy ResearchSocioeconomic Baseline and Displacement Impact

Page 56: Buner Report

Institute of Management Sciences1-A, Sector E/5, Phase - VI I , Hayatabad, Peshawar

Voice: 091-5861024, 091-5861025

Towards a Conflict-Sensitive Development Framework (CSDF)Lack of baseline information and key social statistics in NWFP has been identified as a major bottleneck in timely planning and effective designing of development interventions, primarily in the affected districts of the province. District baseline series is the CPPR initiative to concisely and accurately document profiles of select districts, with the intent to provide a starting point for policy research and development interventions in the region. The baseline also serves as a major component in an integrated assessment series, which also includes Poverty & Social Impact Assessment (PSIA) and Strategic Conflict Assessment (SCA) of the districts. These studies will contribute towards the Center's plans to establish a CSDF for the province, in line with the public priorities and UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Centre for Public Policy Researchwww.cppr.edu.pk