‘State-Security First’ and the Militarization of Development: Local Perceptions on Post-Conflict Reconstruction Policies in Pakistan’s Tribal Areas (2015–2019)

Abstract

In the post-military operation scenario, the government of Pakistan (GoP) has launched reconstruction interventions under the notion of ‘build back better and smarter’. This article critically evaluates the reconstruction efforts (2015–2019) using local perceptions to attest as to what extent reconstruction interventions have been participatory and how they have been received by local communities in terms of their contextual needs. Primary data was collected during 2017–2019 in North Waziristan (NW) through semi-structured interviews, informal discussions and participant observation with local and key respondents. The study found that although interventions were designed predominantly to improve development outcomes and build connections between local community and the state, the ‘state-security first’ paradigm reigns over the ‘positive security’ of the affected population. Interventions were centrally planned without proper participation or even taking into account local needs and grievances. The article argues that instead post-conflict reconstruction policies and practices should focus on well-assessed micro-needs, confidence-building approaches and the participation of local communities in order to achieve the desired goals of positive security and sustainable development.

Keywords:

• community-driven reconstruction
• hegemonic interventions
• contextual needs
• militarization of development
• positive security
• state-security first

Acknowledgement

This research article is a part of the first author's Ph.D. research work at Lisbon School of Economics and Management, University of Lisbon, Portugal. The first author is deeply grateful to Sher Ayub Khan, former Additional Secretary to the Government of Pakistan and CEO, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Pakistan for his guidance and conceptual oversight. His ideas and rich professional experience enriched the findings of this research article.

Notes

1 The conversion is calculated on the current market rate: 1USD =160 PKR.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Asif Iqbal Dawar

Asif Iqbal Dawar is currently a Ph.D. candidate in development studies at the Lisbon School of Economics and Management (ISEG), University of Lisbon, Portugal. He holds a master’s degree in International Relations from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway. His area of expertise covers the war on terror, human security and post-conflict development interventions.

Marcos Farias Ferreira

Marcos Farias Ferreira is Assistant Professor with Habilitation at the School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Lisbon, Portugal. Marcos Farias Ferreira has extensive experience in dealing with subjects connected to conflict and development on a global scale, both in the theoretical field and as regards a more hands-on approach to community development.