Mohmand Agency Research Articles

IMPACT OF ELECTORAL LAWS IN REDUCING GENDER GAP IN THE VOTERS’ LISTS

This topic is an effort to assess political emancipation of women in Pakistan in different socio-cultural aspects. It has been strived to find out whether the electoral legal framework of the country accelerates or impedes the political empowerment of women. Moreover, this study might be helpful to find out whether women are registered as voters at par to men or otherwise. Hence, registration figures of all districts by the time of promulgation of The Elections Act, 2017 and at the eve of general elections-2018 have been. Researchers have followed the mixed-method research strategy and descriptive research design for the current research. The Elections Act, 2017 and secondary data, primarily published by Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), has been used in this study. This research highlights that more efforts are required from ECP, NADRA and the development sector to enhance female registration. FATA still has to travel a long journey for political empowerment of women. The most backward districts like Kohlu, Dera Bugti, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and Mohmand Agency have a disparity of male and female registration up to 30% and substantial efforts are required to reduce such disparity. Keywords: Pakistan, Voting Lists, Election, Electoral Laws, Gender Gap.

Metals Contents in Honey, Beeswax and Bees and Human Health Risk Assessment Due to Consumption of Honey: A Case Study from Selected Districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Beeswax, honey, and live in-hive worker bees were collected in this study from eight districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The concentration of seven essential elements (copper, calcium, zinc, iron, nickel, chromium and manganese) and two non-essentials (lead and cadmium) were determined. All of the samples were found to have a random distribution of metal concentrations. The plentiful metals with high concentrations in the gathered samples were discovered to be calcium, iron, and zinc. The health concerns related with metal intake in honey were assessed using the Average Daily Dose (ADD), Hazard Quotients (HQs) and Hazard Index (HI) models. Children were found to have higher estimated health risk values for the components assessed in all samples than adults. All of the computed ADD values were lower than the matching reference (RfD) values. The matching HI values of metals in various honeys were found to be less than one, implying that honey consumption in the studied area has no non carcinogenic risk. Cancer risks (CR) was also calculated for intake of Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd in honey in the selected districts. The CR values for Cr and Cd exceeded 1E-4 in various districts such as Karak, Kohat, Nowshera, Bajur, Dir Upper, and Mohmand Agency, signifying that there was a small danger involved. In the case of Karak, the Ni CR value was greater than the allowed limits. As a result, it is important to keep an eye on the concentration of these metals in honey because anthropogenic input could raise their concentration in the future, posing a health danger.

(2021) Volume 2, Issue 4 Cultural Implications of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC Authors: Dr. Unsa Jamshed Amar Jahangir Anbrin Khawaja Abstract: This study is an attempt to highlight the cultural implication of CPEC on Pak-China relations, how it will align two nations culturally, and what steps were taken by the governments of two states to bring the people closer.

(2021) Volume 2, Issue 4 Cultural Implications of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC Authors: Dr. Unsa Jamshed Amar Jahangir Anbrin Khawaja Abstract: This study is an attempt to highlight the cultural implication of CPEC on Pak-China relations, how it will align two nations culturally, and what steps were taken by the governments of two states to bring the people closer.

THE EFFECT OF MILITANCY ON EDUCATION AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCIES

Background: The study was conducted in 2017 to know about the effects of militancy on education in the form of dropout from schools, destroyed infrastructure of educational institutions, decrease in literacy rate and to probe out the community perception about education in the context of adverse law and order situation in district Mohmand Agency. The study was significant because Mohmand Agency is the worst terrorist affected area.
 Objectives: The objectives of the study were examining the factors causing militancy, and to determine the effects of militancy on education in Mohmand Agency.
 Methodology: For this purpose, 250 sample respondents out of the total population from four selected villages viz Gurbaz, Masood, Sultan Khel and Baro Khel from tehsil Safi and Halimzai were selected. The respondents were randomly interviewed through an interview schedule. Chi-square test was used as statistical instrument to determine the association between education and different factors that cause terrorism.
 Results: It was found that majority of the respondents were agreed that unemployment, poverty, drone attacks, unidentified Pak-Afghan border were the main factors that caused militancy in the area and had greatly affected the primary and secondary education in the area. Respondents were of the view that brutal activities against Muslims across the globe and presence of NATO forces in the region increased terrorism. Involvement of foreign intelligence agencies in our county and weak national security network to handle terrorist activities properly were the main causes of terrorism. Parents remain worried about their children’s education due to security threats and insufficient schools remaining in the area.
 Conclusion: It was concluded that due to insecurity, lack of infrastructure and insufficient schools; education in the area under study was greatly affected. The study suggested that bringing of peace and reasonable security measures against militants can rebuild the educational environment in the study area.

Utilization of Marble Wastes in Clay Bricks: A Step towards Lightweight Energy Efficient Construction Materials

Marble dust is one of the hazardous byproducts of marble-processing factories and requires planned disposal. Its beneficial use as a construction material will add to the sustainability, and most importantly, might overcome the burden of marble waste disposal. However, the use of marble dust in concrete has a negative impact. Therefore, this research examines various properties related to the utilization of such material in ceramic clay, and therefore its effects on the use of clay bricks are investigated. The research activity covers the categorization of marble dust powder from three different sources: Ziarat in Mohmand Agency, Buneer, and Mullagori (Pakistan). Its utilization in different proportions preparation of bricks is also addressed. Through the partial replacement of clay with marble dust from 0 to 30% by weight with amplification of 5%, seven mix designs are examined. The test result includes Bulk density, water absorption, porosity, thermal insulation, and strength. The partial replacement of clay with marble dust reduced its weight, strength and increased its porosity, water absorption, and thermal insulation. Furthermore, the utilization of marble powder in bricks minimizes soil erosion and reduces pollution to the environment. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091738 Full Text: PDF

Economics of Wheat Production in Mohmand Agency, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The central theme of this research endeavour was to compute the cost and net returns of wheat crop. This study has also highlighted the significant variables contributing in wheat productivity. The study universe was two focused villages namely Malok-Korona and Peer-Qila of Ekaghund Tehsil, Mohmand Agency. The proportional allocation sampling technique was used to get the required sample size of 70 respondents. However, 26 respondents from Malok-Korona and 44 respondents from Peer-Qila were interviewed through face to face interview technique. The marked findings of this study divulge that vast majority of the farmers (61.43%) were using certified seed and the study area was predominantly dependent upon rainfall as reported by 60 % of the respondents. It is further revealed that the mean cost of production incurred by the sampled growers was estimated as Rs. 30,000 per acre. Income trend observed by 70 per cent of the respondent through wheat crop was found Rs.40000 per acre. The average income of farmers through wheat crop was Rs.35286 per acre. The estimated results of regression analysis corroborate the expected sign of the majority of coefficient of explanatory variables. Among explanatory variables seed, irrigation and labor days were significant while urea and FYM were found insignificant for crop yield. The study recommends that attempts for awareness, supply of loans, inputs like fertilizer, pesticide, apt agriculture approaches, demonstration plots and training programs should be made available to farmers for higher wheat production in Mohmand Agency.

Drier Climatic Conditions Increase Withanolide Content of Withania coagulans Enhancing Its Inhibitory Potential Against Human Prostate Cancer Cells.

Prostate cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths in men and there is a growing interest in identifying natural compounds for its management. We analyzed bioactive withanolides in Withania coagulans from 11 different sites in Pakistan and evaluated the antiprostate cancer activities of leaf extracts from two sites with the greatest amounts. Total withanolide concentration differed by ~ 17-fold between sites, ranging from 1.01 ± 0.01mg/g dry weight (mean ± SE) at Jand to 16.83 ± 0.02mg/g at Mohmand Agency. Different tissues varied in their total withanolide content with roots having the least (0.42 ± 0.07mg/g dry weight) and leaves the most (2.45 ± 0.45mg/g). We found strong inverse correlations between site annual precipitation versus withanolide amounts in fruits (r = - 0.84, P = 0.001), leaves (r = - 0.88, P < 0.001), roots (r = - 0.91, P < 0.001), and total (r = - 0.89, P < 0.001), but not stems (r = - 0.20, P = 0.556). Extracts made from Mianwali and Mohmand Agency leaves possessed high anticancer activity in terms of increased induction of apoptosis and decreased cell viability, cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of different prostate cancer cell lines. These results are useful for the selection of withanolide-rich germplasm with potent anticancer properties.

Traditional phytomedicines for gynecological problems used by tribal communities of Mohmand Agency near the Pak-Afghan border area

Medicinal plants play a vital role in the human health care system of tribal communities and in the treatment of various gynecological problems. This study is an effort to document important medicinal flora used for the treatment of gynecological problems by indigenous people living in a tribal region near the Pak-Afghan border. The main objective of the study was to establish a clear profile of indigenous knowledge and practices from the unexplored tribal territory. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and group discussions. The data were analyzed through Use Value and Factor of Informant Consensus. A total of 52 medicinal plants were recorded from the area; the most widely accepted were Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (94 Use Value), Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (93 Use Value), Prunus domestica L. (91 Use Value), Myrtus communis L. (91 Use Value), Cannabis sativa L. (91 Use Value) and Nigella sativa L. (90 Use Value). A high consensus factor was recorded for menses-related problems (0.95). The root was the main part used (23% plants), followed by the leaves (20% plants), whole plant (18% plants), fruit (18% plants), and seed (13% plants). A total of 21 plants were used to treat menses-related problems, followed by sexual problems (ten plants), leucorrhea (nine plants), gastric problems (seven plants) and amenorrhea (seven plants). Knowledge related to ethnogynecological treatments is restricted to midwives and traditional healers. In conclusion, the documented flora that is particularly important to medicinal plants may be researched in the future to discover new pharmaceutical, neutraceutical and other pharmacological agents against gynecological complaints.

Traditional uses of medicinal plants practiced by the indigenous communities at Mohmand Agency, FATA, Pakistan

BackgroundPlant-derived products have an imperative biological role against certain pathogenic organisms and were considered to be a major source of modern drugs. Rural people residing in developing countries are relying on traditional herbal medical system due to their strong believe and minimum access to allopathic medicines. Hence, ethnomedicinal knowledge is useful for the maintenance of community’s based approaches under this medical system. Present study was carried out in an unexplored remote tribal area of Pakistan to investigate and document the existing ethnomedicinal knowledge on local flora.MethodsData was collected through semi-structured questionnaires from the community members and local herbalists. Use reports (URs) were counted for each species and analyzed through Linear Regression between the number of URs per family and number of plant species per family.ResultsA total of 64 medicinal plant species were recorded belonging to 60 genera and 41 families. Most frequently used plant families in ethnomedicines were Lamiaceae (8 species) and Asteraceae (7 species). Highest URs were recorded for Caralluma tuberculata N.E. Br. (49 URs) being followed by Thymus serphyllum L. (49 URs), Fagonia cretica L. (47 URs), Plantago lanceolata L. (45 URs), Periploca aphylla Decne. (44 URs), Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (44 URs), and Sideroxylon mascatense (A.DC.) T.D.Penn. (44 URs). New ethnomedicinal uses were reported for Boerhaavia elongata Brandegee and Fumaria officinalis L. with confidential level of URs from the study area. Nineteen groups of health conditions were recorded during the course of study being treated with medicinal plants. Maximum number of 30 plant species was used to treat digestive problems. Most widely practiced mode of drugs’ preparation and administration was powder. Leaves (30% plants) were the most frequently used plant parts in the preparation of ethnomedicinal recipes.ConclusionsCurrent study is an important addition to the field of ethnomedicines. The study reports important medicinal plants from an area, which has not been investigated previously. Traditional knowledge is restricted to health practitioners and elder community members. This knowledge is at the verge of extinction because younger generation is not taking interest in its learning and preservation process. Hence, there is a dire need to phytochemically and pharmacologically test the investigated taxa for the validation of traditional knowledge.

Phase, Microstructure and Beneficiation of Manganese Ore by Acid Leaching

In this research work, sawdust was used as a reducing agent for sulphuric acid leaching of manganese ore from Prang Ghar, Lower Mohmand Agency, Pakistan. X-ray diffraction of the powdered sample indicated the presence of Hausmannite (Mn3O4), Calcium Aluminum Silicate Hydrate, Silica (SiO2) and Hematite (Fe2O3). X-ray diffraction and the energy dispersive spectroscopic analysis show that the manganese ore sample was siliceous in nature. In the present study, six process parameters were investigated i.e. the particle size of the ore, leaching temperature, time duration, Mn ore amount, sulphuric acid concentration and amount of sawdust. Manganese extraction of 88.93 (wt%) was achieved for a leaching time of 60 minutes at 120°C using 5% (v/v) H2SO4 concentration for 10 g Mn ore and 5 g sawdust. The results demonstrate that sawdust is a low cost, renewable and non-hazardous reducing agent in comparison to other available reagents.

Floristic diversity and ecological characteristics of weeds at Atto Khel Mohmand Agency, KPK, Pakistan

A floristic study was carried out in village Atto Khel Mohmand Agency Pakistan to explore the weed flora in respect of different ecological characteristics. A total of 89 species belonging to 76 genera of 34 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the dominant family with 9 species (10.1%). On the basis of habitat 64 species were in dry (71%), followed by wet 17 species (19.1%) and 11 species (12%) were found in both dry and wet conditions (8.9%). On the basis of habit most common vegetation was herbs, 49 species (55%) followed by shrubs 25 species (28%) and trees were 15 species (17%). The spiny and non-spiny nature of weeds most common species were non-spinacious 76 (85.3%) followed by spinacious 13 species (14.6%). The dominated life form was nanophanerophytes with 27 species (30.3%). The most common leaf size was nanophyll with 36 species (40.4%). Phenology showed that 84 species (94.3%) were in vegetative form during spring due to high rain fall followed by summer season, 63 species (70.7%), winter season 38 species (42.6%) and autumn season 28 species (31.4%). Plant growth and distribution are having strong correlation with environment. The precious floristic diversity and ecological factor disturbed very fast, so this study could be helpful in conservation of biodiversity.

Allocative Efficiency Analysis of Tomato Growers in Mohmand Agency, Pakistan

Allocative Efficiency Analysis of Tomato Growers in Mohmand Agency, Pakistan

北西パキスタン, モーマンド地方ブーチャ産エメラルドおよびグリーンベリル : 宝石鉱物

北西パキスタン, モーマンド地方ブーチャ産エメラルドおよびグリーンベリル : 宝石鉱物

Tectonic Imprints of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis on the Mesozoic Rocks Exposed in Munda, Mohmand Agency, Northwest Pakistan

AbstractTwo well‐developed mesoscopic folds, D2 and D3, which postdate the middle amphibolite metamorphism, were recognized in the western hinterland zone of Pakistan. NW–SE trending D2 folds developed during NE–SW horizontal bulk shortening followed by NE–SW trending D3 folds, which developed during SE–NW shortening. Micro‐ to mesoscopically the NW–SE trending S2 crenulation cleavage, boudins and mineral stretching lineations are overprinted by D3. The newly established NW–SE trending micro‐ to mesoscopic structures in Munda termed D2, which postdated F1/F2, is synchronously developed with F3 structures in the western hinterland zone of Pakistan. We interpret that D2 and D3 folds are counterclockwise rotated in the tectonic event that has evolved the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis after the main phase Indian plate and Kohistan Island Arc collision. Chlorite replacement by biotite in the main matrix crenulation cleavages indicates prograde metamorphism related with D2. The inclusion of muscovite and biotite in garnet porphyroblasts and the presence of staurolite in these rocks indicate that the Barrovian metamorphic conditions predate D2 and D3. We interpret that garnet, staurolite and calcite porphyroblasts grew before D2 because the well developed S2 crenulation cleavage wraps around these porphyroblasts.

Tunnel support design by comparison of empirical and finite element analysis of the Nahakki tunnel in mohmand agency, pakistan

Abstract The paper analyses the geological conditions of study area, rock mass strength parameters with suitable support structure propositions for the under construction Nahakki tunnel in Mohmand Agency. Geology of study area varies from mica schist to graphitic marble/phyllite to schist. The tunnel ground is classified and divided by the empisical classification systems like Rock mass rating (RMR), Q system (Q), and Geological strength index (GSI). Tunnel support measures are selected based on RMR and Q classification systems. Computer based finite element analysis (FEM) has given yet another dimension to design approach. FEM software Phase2 version 7.017 is used to calculate and compare deformations and stress concentrations around the tunnel, analyze interaction of support systems with excavated rock masses and verify and check the validity of empirically determined excavation and support systems.

Genetic Diversity at ABO and Rh (D) Loci in the Tribal Groups of Mohmand Agency (Federally Administered Tribal Areas), Pakistan

This study was aimed at determining the frequencies of ABO and Rh blood groups in the population of Mohmand Agency, which is a severely war-affected territory in the North-West Pakistan. A total of 1,019 unrelated subjects (963 males, 56 females) consented to participate in this study. Frequencies of blood types 'A', 'B', 'AB' and 'O' were observed to be 31.9 percent, 27.9 percent, 11.0 percent and 29.2 percent, respectively, while 87.6 percent subjects were found to be Rh-positive. At the ABO locus, allele O showed the highest frequency (0.538), while alleles A and B were 0.244 and 0.218, respectively. At the Rh (D) locus, alleles D and d showed frequencies of 0.648 and 0.352, respectively. The researchers also established the distribution of blood types across the tehsils and Pashtun tribes of Mohmand Agency. Further, the Nei's genetic distances were measured between the sample obtained from Mohmand Agency and the populations of adjoining districts.

Potential Heavy Metals Accumulation of Indigenous Plant Species along the Mafic and Ultramafic Terrain in the Mohmand Agency, Pakistan

This study investigates the heavy metals concentration in soils derived from mafic and ultramafic rocks of the Kot Parang Ghar mélange zone in the Bucha Area, Mohmand Agency, Pakistan. Furthermore, plant species grown on these soils are assessed for their bioaccumulation ability. Representative samples (soil and plants) were collected and analyzed for heavy metals concentration using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metals concentration in the serpentine soil were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.01) than the background soil values. Correlations between plant metal uptake and soil total metal were highly diverse due to different accumulation potential of plant species growing in the habitat. Among the selected plant species, Lycopersicon esculentum and Chrysopogon zizanioides showed manifold higher concentrations of iron, manganese, nickel and chromium and hence capable to uptake and translocate these metals in their tissues to a greater extent. Based on these observations, the local plant species could cause environmental impact in the study area as chromium and nickel contaminations have toxicological concerns. These plants can also be used as bioindicators for exploration of chromite ores.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals of Mohmand agency, Pakistan

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals of Mohmand agency, Pakistan

AFP SURVEILLANCE;

Objectives: To determine the status of the AFP surveillance system at Mohmand agency FATA in a sense to improve thesensitivity of the system in 2012. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Mohmand agency FATA. Period: Jan-Dec 2011. Methodology: Therelevant information were recorded from the Rec files of these cases in accordance to the objectives of the study. Results: A total of 25 caseswere reported in 2011 in Mohmand agency as AFP cases. Eleven were females (44%) and 14(56%) were males. The age range of thesepatients were from 6 months to 14 years of age. Mean age with SD was 37.12+33 months. Four cases were confirmed polio type 1 wild typecases. The frequency of cases reported from various tehsils were: safi (36%), Pindialy and ekka ghund, Halimzai 16%, Prang ghar andambar4%, and Khweze/baizai 8%. Fourteen (56% cases) reported as urgent cases. Majority of the cases (28%) were injection neuritis, 20%cases diagnosed as traumatic neuritis, 4% as Guillain barre syndrome, and 8% as meningitis. 16 cases were cross reported from otheragencies and the remaining from the agency itself. Ghallani AHQ Hospital, RHC Ekka ghund and Mechany BHU are main diagnostic andreferral centers for AFP in the agency. The lab results reported 4 cases with P1 wild type virus. Conclusions: We have at time a bit weaksurveillance system for AFP and the agency being a part of FATA and its security volatile situation, all makes it more suitable for the polio virusto circulate. There is low level of awareness and stigma associated with Polio vaccines which is alarming for public health workers. The crossreported cases ration is more which shows bit weak catch up at station level.

Health risk assessment via surface water and sub-surface water consumption in the mafic and ultramafic terrain, Mohmand agency, northern Pakistan

This study investigates drinking water (surface water and sub-surface water) quality and potential health risk assessment in the mafic and ultramafic terrain of Bucha area, Mohmand agency, northern Pakistan. Heavy metal (HM) concentrations were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Statistical analyses like one-way ANOVA, correlation analysis, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for contamination sources. Furthermore, HM health risk assessment showed that average daily dose (ADD) and hazard quotient (HQ) were found in the order of Cr>Fe>Ni>Cu>Mn>Zn>Co>Pb>Cd and Ni>Cd>Cu>Mn>Pb>Zn>Cr, respectively. Water contamination was the main source of diseases like diarrhea, viral hepatitis, headache, hypertension, abdominal pain, liver and kidney problems and fatal cardiac arrest as complained by most of the respondents during field visit and reported in basic health unit (BHU). In order to reduce the health risk, it is necessary that government immediately stop the contaminated sites for drinking water and should supply clean potable water to the inhabitants.