South Waziristan District

Trend Analysis

Demographics	1998	2017
Area SqKms	6620	6620
Population	429841	679185
Population Density / SqKm	65	94
Total Housing Units	17194	26641
Housing Units having Electricity	1068	2968
Housing Units Having Piped Water	654	925
Housing Unit using Gas for cooking	112	208

Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics

Outline

According to 2017 census, the population of South Waziristan was 466,984 with population density of 94 persons per square kilometers.

The literacy rate is extremely low in the district, especially for women (Source: KPK Bureau of Statistics).

There are five major tribes in the region, namely: the Mehsud, the Ahmadzai Wazir of Wana, the Bhittani of Jandola, the Burki of the Kaniguram area and the Dotani near the border of Zhob. Land use data from 2011-12 shows that 3% of the total geographic area of South Waziristan is arable, while more than 96% of the land is not available for cultivation. This puts intense pressure on the available land for agriculture and creates food insecurity in the agency. Due to the mountainous terrain and limited surface water resources, the agriculture is done on the few small plains using water from the mountain streams. There used to be thick forests on some of the higher ranges, such as the Shawal and Pir Ghal however, most of the wood has been cut in these areas.

South and North Waziristan are both highest producers of pine nuts (chilghoza) and Pakistan is reported to be the second highest exporter of pine nuts after China. However, due to lack of training in harvesting, cutting, roasting and processing there is high percentage of wastage.

1. Minerals

As per FATA Development Authority’s Annual Report 2015-6 studies are underway for exploration of oil and gas in Baska North (FR DIK and South Waziristan district). Base camp has been established for further research and exploration. Furthermore, two new blocks i.e. Wana Block in South Waziristan and Mir Ali Block in North Waziristan have been identified for further attraction of investment. South Waziristan also holds mineral reserves of Copper, Gold, Chromite, Marble and Granite, however, the reserves are not yet estimated.

Strengths

High reserves of mineral deposits in the area.
Possibility of Value addition to Marble product by using state of the art technology.
Process innovation as per international standards.
Employment generation and skill development of the local community.
Close proximity to Central Asia – for trade and export.

Opportunities

To fully utilize the potential of this sector, following steps can be taken:

Identify and work on projects which have capacity to generate revenue on public private partnership model if feasible
Investments to improve common infrastructure and facilities should be a continual process.
The office of KP Mines & Mineral Development Department should offer regular assistance to industry in general on modern mining techniques, equipment handling and environmental safety.
KP Mines & Mineral Development Department needs to prepare an Investor’s Brief that clearly quantify / identify the potential of mining minerals in the area, and state the current level of investigation for the total amount of minerals available.
Encourage all state owned and private banks to offer Islamic banking products/services to the local mine owners and processors in order to enhance production and process the minerals at international standards.

2. Conclusion

Owing to militancy and prevailing law and order situation in the South Waziristan for the past decades, the opportunities to carry out businesses were totally ruined. However, the district is now returning towards peace and the area would be feasible for establishing business and generating revenues by exploring oil and gas reserves and mineral deposits and its further processing and value addition. Similarly studying the value chain of pine nut harvesting and handling and taking necessary steps to overcome the gaps will enhance revenue for the locals and improve the product quality.