BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELDS: THE HIDDEN COST OF UNREST IN NORTH WAZIRISTAN

Abstract

North Waziristan, a region long caught in the crossfire of militancy and military operations, faces consequences that extend far beyond visible violence. The conflict has disrupted traditional livelihoods, displaced thousands, and fractured community bonds. Markets once open and bustling with trade now struggle under economic stagnation, while social services healthcare, education, and infrastructure remain strained or inaccessible. These disruptions have deepened poverty and created long-term vulnerabilities for local populations. In this article, Conflict in North Waziristan referred to prolonged militant insurgency, military operations, and resulting instability, encompassing both direct violence and the broader socio-economic and communal disruptions. This article explores these overlooked socio-economic dimensions, highlighting how continuous instability has reshaped the daily lives of residents. By focusing on the silent, prolonged impacts, this article underscores the need to recognize that the true cost of conflict is measured not just in security terms, but in the enduring erosion of community well-being and economic stability.