Impacts of armed conflict on civilians of tribal areas in Pakistan: A case study of FATA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71085/rjhsa.04.04.155Keywords:
FATA, Armed Conflict, Civilian Casualties, Enforced Disappearances, War on Terror, Pakistan, Human Rights Violations, Displacement, Psychological ImpactAbstract
The Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan have endured nearly two decades of devastating armed conflict, resulting in unprecedented humanitarian consequences for civilian populations across all seven agencies. From 2007 to 2026, military operations targeting militant networks led to massive displacement of approximately one million people, widespread infrastructure destruction, and fundamental alterations to traditional socio-cultural structures. This comprehensive study documents 4,637 cases of enforced disappearances, examines casualty patterns across Waziristan, Khyber, Kurram, Bajaur, Mohmand, Orakzai, and other agencies, and analyses the profound psychological, economic, and social impacts on civilian communities. Drawing from primary interviews, official military statistics, human rights reports, and PTM Germany documentation, this research reveals systematic human rights violations, the erosion of Pashtunwali traditions, and the urgent need for reconciliation, rehabilitation, and sustainable peace initiatives.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Salman, Fareeha Shaukat (Author)
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