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

Conflict in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan stayed on the margins of the ‘waron terror’ throughout the period following the events of 11 September 2001. This conflict is embedded inthe narratives of occupation as well as historical grievances, terrorism, developmental discrimination, andidentity crises – all of which have helped perpetuate it. With the shifting of the Al Qaeda leadership fromAfghanistan to the tribal areas after the US-led war on Afghanistan in October 2001, meta-narratives havebeen employed to advance local grievances. This paper develops the framework of peace pathways andconflict 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 rootcause (or causes) of the conflict.