# District Profile North Waziristan

Introduction

North Waziristan is the northern part of Waziristan in Northwest Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan. Waziristan named after ‘Wazir’ main tribe in the area. North Waziristan lies between 32.35° to 33.22° latitudes and 69.22° to 70.38° longitudes. It is bounded in the North by Khost province of Afghanistan, Kurram District and Hangu District, in the East by Bannu and Lakki Districts, in the South lies District South Waziristan and in the West is Paktika province of Afghanistan.

Agriculture and remittances are probably the two most important sources of income for the vast majority of inhabitants. Area mainly consists of rugged nature of terrain with scarce water resources. Also majority of population is not well educated. These factors make locals rely mainly on government services and jobs. Enlisting in militia and army has also been a traditional source of employment and it is still important. Short-term unskilled employment on development projects (roads, irrigation systems etc) and longer term employment as chowkidars on some schemes has become more important during the last two decades. A large number of men are working abroad. Those who can no longer emigrate for work, choose to go to Karachi or other major cities in the country. However, remittances earned in Pakistan are substantially lower than those earned overseas. Transport of goods and people is another significant factor.

A large number of the population depends upon small businesses like running shops for day to day needs. Hubs of shops/markets have been established all across North Waziristan to facilitate livelihood of the people. Markets like Miran Shah market has become epitome of modernized economic hub. In addition, fruit and animal market activities are also being undertaken.

A trade terminal is being established at Ghulam Khan in collaboration with National Logistics Cell. Ghulam Khan gains a national and international significance owning to the presence of major transit/ trade route not only with Afghanistan but also with Central Asian Countries.

Pine nut harvesting is another major revenue generation source for locals of tehsil Shawal. After clearance of area from militants, Pine nut collection was resumed by tribals after security clearance in year 2017 and total of 1376 tons of pine nut was collected from an area of 231 Square Kilometers of tehsil Shawal.

Most of North Waziristan is mountainous hence major portion of its land is uncultivable. However, patches in valleys, mostly near nullah beds are being used for cultivation. Tochi river valley is composed of rich alluvial soil and is very productive. Farming is also done in Kaitu and Khaisora valleys. Maize and Wheat are major crops being grown in the area. Rice and Barley are also grown.

Area has potential for establishment of micro hydro projects; so far 4 x micro hydro projects have been developed and more are expected to be developed.

Kurram Tangi Dam and irrigation canals planned on Kurram and Kaitu rivers in North Waziristan Agency would be a major leap forward towards supplementing agriculture, irrigation and power generation of the District with approximate cost of Rs. 30 Billiion. It will irrigate 16,380 acres of land and will have hydro-power generation capacity of 83.4 MW. The dam will also supplement 278,000 acres of existing system. Dam is expected to be completed by March 2020.

North Waziristan is a mineral rich area with number of mountains full of natural resources; many are still untapped.