South Waziristan is the largest of the newly merged tribal districts with total area of 6,620 Square Km. It is located at a distance of 366.9 Km from Peshawar. It borders with District North Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, D.I. Khan and Zhob district of Balochistan. It also shares about 70 Km border with Paktia Province of Afghanistan.
The people of South Waziristan are famous for their bravery and have a unique history, customs, culture and traditions. SW people has suffered at the hands of extremist elements and had a subsequent military operation few years back.
South Waziristan have rugged and complex rocky terrains and ridges. Hills appear to zig-zag in every direction. Most rivers and streams in Waziristan run along a horizontal axis, and are generally flanked by hills and small valleys. There is very limited land available for agriculture in these valleys, as little water flows in the streams of South Waziristan. SW is divided into three sub divisions; Sarawaki, Ladha and Wana. The main plains or valleys are the Wana plain, the Zarmilan, the Bermand, and the Spin. Area at higher altitudes receives fair amount of rainfall and that bordering with Afghanistan receives more rainfall.
Once South Waziristan used to be thick lush green forests with rare birds and wildlife on some of the higher ranges, such as the Shawal and Pir Ghal however, most of the wood has been cut in these areas. The land of Wana is blessed with vegetable and fruit orchards. Agriculture has always been the mainstay of the people of South Waziristan. Climatic conditions are favorable for the cultivation of apples, almonds and plums which generate considerable revenue for local community. The land of SW is the best homeland for the growth of gymnosperms especially for pine nuts and walnuts. South Waziristan accounts for nearly 90% of the Pakistan's Pine nut produce. Preservence and proper marketing of pine nut and walnut is needed and for this entrepreneurs should be welcomed.
South Waziristan is also a habitat to the leopard, Sulaiman Markhor, black bear, wolf, Houbara bustard, wild rabbits, foxes, jackals, cranes and many other animals/birds. To conserve the valuable wildlife in the district South Waziristan, laws protecting these animals should be implemented, otherwise wildlife in S.Waziristan will face extinction in many areas.
On the other side, Livestock is an integral part of South Waziristan district economy and about 98% households rear livestock. There are no markets for livestock dealings. Under the PM Imran Khan's vision; rearing livestock, milk and wool markets, Poultry and meat markets, strengthening the marketing linkages and promoting entrepreneurship is need of the day. This will not only boost the economy of this region but also of Pakistan.
Wana, Spin, Badar and Kaniguram valley are in the grip of climate change and effects are seen in crop production and ripening period of fruits and other stuff. Even farmers are thinking to grow other fruits due to shrinkage of winters. This sudden change in weather has negatively impacted the production of apple orchards. Deforestion seems to be the main reason of rise in temperature and climate change in South Waziristan. For the development and prosperity of this region, small dams should be build. By doing so, the water level will rise and it will help in irrigation of agricultural lands and problem of clean drinking water will be solved too. Infrastructure development will reduce the problems of locals and will also attract more tourists to visit South Waziristan.
Many welfare projects for the wellbeing of the local community have been completed in SW by the tireless efforts of Pakistan armed forces along with construction of Agricultural Park, commercial centres, schools and hospitals in Wanna, South Waziristan. KP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and CM KP Mahmood Khan have started many projects for the welfare and development in Newly Merged Districts. Providing quality Education and health facilities to locals are the top priority of government. PTI led KP government has also started to plant trees under Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Afforestation Project in South Waziristan along with other NMDs to tackle climate change and it will create green jobs for the local community. Micro hydel power plants will be built to tap the potential of South Waziristan. South Waziristan has the potential for tourism, trade and mining industry and the exploitation of these natural resources (hydrocarbons); Gems like Garnet and Quartz; will create jobs for labors in thousands along with export revenues. PTI led government is committed to develop and promote South Waziristan for the prosperity of the region. We must say that Newly merged areas of KP are the future of Pakistan and all the institutions should fully cooperate the government towards a shining future.
