Analysing local perceptions of post‐conflict and post‐floods livelihood interventions in Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

The Swat valley in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province was affected by a protracted conflict and super flood between 2007 and 2010. This article explores local perceptions of the Swat response, which presented complex challenges for rehabilitation and livelihood recovery of affected communities. This study examines local perceptions of how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government response addressed livelihood revival needs, considers questions relating to the nature and dynamics of the conflict and floods and reflects on the issues and lessons of post-disaster relief and development. The qualitative case study was conducted between September 2010 and February 2011. Primary data were collected in 11 villages and localities from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, government representatives, community leaders and programme officials involved in livelihood interventions. This article identifies the shortcomings associated with the targeted response, as well as the types of response offered in the form of beneficiary selection and elite co-opting of aid. The response was affected by a lack of relief, recovery and development programme co-ordination, weak institutional support and non-prioritization of local needs. The article recommends that for effective development policy and practice, local ownership of response and recovery programmes needs to be promoted. | O275 SAEED KHAN

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Hydro-heritage for healing? Examining the gendered experience of water in post-conflict Swat, Pakistan

“…As the army operation reached somewhat of a successful conclusion in 2010 after dislodging the Taliban, the internally displaced people made their way back to the valley (Caron and Khan, 2022). The Pakistani military led an ambitious reconstruction and de-Talibanization programme to re-establish the writ of the Pakistani state in the troubled valley (Khan, 2019; Marsden and Hopkins, 2013; Shah et al, 2020). We will elaborate upon the features of that programme directed towards ‘modernization’ and upgradation of the infrastructure in the valley as a pathway to healing a traumatized population.…”

“…led an ambitious reconstruction and de-Talibanization programme to re-establish the writ of the Pakistani state in the troubled valley (Khan, 2019;Marsden and Hopkins, 2013;Shah et al, 2020). We will elaborate upon the features of that programme directed towards 'modernization' and upgradation of the infrastructure in the valley as a pathway to healing a traumatized population.…”