Framework for peace pathways and conflict transformation for conflict in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan

Abstract

Conflict in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan stayed on the margins of the 'war on terror' throughout the period following the events of 11 September 2001. This conflict is embedded in the narratives of occupation as well as historical grievances, terrorism, developmental discrimination, and identity crises - all of which have helped perpetuate it. With the shifting of the Al Qaeda leadership from Afghanistan to the tribal areas after the US-led war on Afghanistan in October 2001, meta-narratives have been employed to advance local grievances. This paper develops the framework of peace pathways and conflict transformation which involves an in-depth analysis of conflict and reasons for its intractability, taking into account not only socio-political and economic needs and interests, but also addressing the root cause (or causes) of the conflict.