Orakzai District

Trend Analysis

Demographics	1998	2017
Area SqKms	1538	1538
Population	225441	254356
Population Density / SqKm	147	165
Urban Population	64217	102440
Rural Population	225441	254356
Total Housing Units	48595	55595
Housing Units having Electricity	24368	31968
Housing Units Having Piped Water	14654	30525
Housing Unit using Gas for cooking	1823	2023

Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics

Outline

Orakzai district was one of the agencies of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and is spread over an area of 1,538 sqkms. It is bounded by Kurram in the west and Khyber in the north, Kohat district in the south and Peshawar in the east. Orakzai district is a mountainous tract dissected by numerous dry water courses especially in the south western part of the agency. The capital of Orakzai is Kalaya Town. However, these tribes have been assimilated into the Orakzai culture and are considered to be Orakzais. Total population of the area is estimated to be 254,356.

1. Tourism

In Orakzai district ‘important tourists’ sites are Kalaya, Samana, Gulistan Fort, Feroz Khel, Zaira, Landok, Manawar and Khalwat. Samana, Gulistan Fort, Kalaya and Zaira are the recommended potential tourist sites in Orakzai. Metallic road exists for reaching most of the places; however, there is need for widening and improvement of roads. Small informal hotels and restaurants exist at some sites. Electricity is available at all places. Tirah Valley laden with scenic beauty; hills, streams, forests make Tirah Valley a prime tourist place.

2. Agriculture and Forestry

Orakzai Agency is a hilly region with a fertile valley. Its territory comprises of a mountainous tract, dissected by numerous dry water courses. The elevation of the hills varies from over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in the west and to less than 6,650 feet (2,030 m) in the east, while that of the plain area varies from 5,200 to 5,500 feet (1,700 m), above sea level.

Important peaks are Sangla (6325 ft.) and Chara Kandaco (5643 ft.). The major valleys in Orakzai Agency are: Khanki, Mastura and Khurmana, whereas the two major streams are the Mastura and Khanki Toi, both originating from the hills in the west and running to the east.

The soil is fertile and used for wheat, maize, sorghum and bear with some shrubs, grasses and trees at the mountains slope. The district has eight substantially forested areas. The total area under forest is around 1318 acres. These forests are privately owned by different tribes. Most of the tribes accordingly engage themselves in meager agriculture and raising of livestock.

3. Mineral

Orakzai district- has the reserves of Coal (8 M tons), Iron ore (0.050 M tons) and Oil and Gas reserves as per FATA Development Authority report.

KPOGCL help operations in once dormant Exploration Blocks like Kohat, Marwat, Orakzai, Tirah, Paharpur, Baska North, Latambar, Pezu, Kulachi, Karak North, Baratai & Peshawar etc. these blocks are now active.

Two new schemes for Metallic Minerals Exploration and Decorative & Dimension Stones in FATA are approved. Work in Orakzai & Kurram Agencies has been started.

4. SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Thick wooded forests on 60,633.
Orakzai possesses reserves of Coal & Iron Ore, Oil and Gas.

Opportunities

In order to overcome the above mentioned challenges faced by the mentioned sectors, following opportunities can be availed;

Hotels and restaurants could be constructed in the area for tourist facilitation.
The tourist accommodation facilities can also offer trekking tours to the majestic Koh-eSufaid.
Hunting facilities can be made available in the area.
Road to Koh-e-Sufaid needs improvement and maintenance. Hotels and cafes should be built.
There is potential for developing a Chair Lift project in the area; linking Koh-e-Sufaid with Orakzai. This can become a major attraction for the tourists, for enjoying the scenic beauty of the area and in view of its close proximity to Pak-Afghan border.
Khanki Toi and Mastura rivers (also names of the valleys where these flow) are fed by numerous smaller streams many of which are seasonal. The cultivated land is found primarily in the Mastura and Khanki Toi valleys, and in those of their tributaries. These streams could be utilized for irrigation purposes.
Lockhart Fort and Gulistan Fort could be converted into tourist resort.
Carbon Credits could be earned by utilizing these forests.
Minerals processing facility could be established to process the minerals excavation from the district. As the roads are in good conditions, the freight cost would be lower as compared to other districts in the vicinity. Oil and Gas service industry or in the nearby Economic Zone.
Hospitals could be established to provide health facilities to the people easily.

5. Conclusion

Orakzai is a soothing scenic district with a potential to provide hefty outcomes in tourism sector. But the acts of militancy have ruined its image in the minds of investors and life has returned to normalcy. Though the efforts of KP Government could promote the tourism sector, establish mineral processing and value addition facilities, oil and gas service industry in the district could flourish with the help of potential investors. The district would surely be profitable for investment in the long run.