Swat Valley Research Articles

Tourism to terrorism: mapping the wounded landscape of the Swat valley in Pakistan

Tourism to terrorism: mapping the wounded landscape of the Swat valley in Pakistan

Hydro-heritage for healing? Examining the gendered experience of water in post-conflict Swat, Pakistan

Water has been formulated as a resource or a hazard within water resources geography. We propose that reframing of water as hydro-heritage opens up richer analytical possibilities for examining the pluriverses and multiple ontologies that animate gendered experience of water. We are concerned with how hydro-heritage has or could have contributed to healing in the post-conflict Swat valley of Pakistan. We highlight how the Taliban insurgency and the reconstruction following its military defeat displaced people's worlds of meaning in Swat. We find that the pre-conflict mountain springs were a site for an enchanted affective encounter between humans and non-humans, where a multifaceted gendered experience of water was enacted. The developmental imaginaries of the Pakistan state in the post-conflict reconstruction phase and the accompanying social changes deracinated water and springs from their pluriversal moorings towards ‘modern water’ with damaging material and emotional consequences for the people of Swat. This was particularly pronounced in terms of gendered access to water, health and mobility. We suggest that water as hydro-heritage has the potential to heal, provided people's worlds of meaning and experience of water are recentred in developmental imaginaries.

Presence, Power, and Agency: Donor Portraits in Early Gandharan Art

The aim of this paper is to shed light on locally constructed sculptural representations of donors and devotees from Butkara I in Swat valley – one of the earliest Buddhist sites in the Greater Gandhara region. The discovery of several sculptures and architectural elements depicting elaborately adorned male and female figures with distinctly individualizing facial features, and bearing varied Buddhist offerings, not only throws into relief the artistic phenomenon of portraiture in early Gandharan Buddhist art but also exemplifies the visual and material enactment of donative ritual and practice. The appropriation of a transcultural and widely legible visual vocabulary for constructing these essentially Buddhist figures underscores the complex cross-cultural interactions and encounters underpinning Gandharan art and Buddhist practice in the early centuries of the Common Era. The paper argues that, in addition to relic establishment and donative inscriptions, the ruling aristocrats used donor portraits for the material and metaphorical embodiment of their presence and piety within the Buddhist monastic space. Moreover, these images likely served as public performances for effectively navigating the broader political and socio-cultural currents. Speaking to diverse communities in the multicultural matrix of Gandhara, these donor portraits highlight the participation of visual imagery in constructing new forms of ritual and practice predicated upon the intertwined notions of power, patronage, and religiosity.

Breaking Barriers women’s struggle for Equality in I am malala

Malala Yousafzai, who advocated for young women all over the world at the risk of her own life, has emerged as a worldwide peace icon. At the age of 14 she started to fight for education and Women Empowerment in her home town of swat valley of Pakistan. In the memoir she describes numerous barriers that exist in education, particularly for girls in Pakistan. This present study explores some of the main barriers to education that Malala experienced and how they affected her life and the lives of many other girls in Pakistan. The findings suggest that gender discrimination, poverty, the Taliban's influence, and lack of quality education and infrastructure are significant barriers to education in Pakistan. It also tries to examine the situation of life under Taliban’s rule and how she became an advocate of education and global symbol of resistance against the Taliban’s oppression.

Maternal ancestry of first Parsi settlers of India using ancient mitogenome

The rich cultural and genetic diversity of South Asia emerged from multiple migrations and cultural assimilation of multiple waves of migrants. The Parsi community of North-western India were one of those who migrated from West Eurasia in the aftermath of 7th century CE and assimilated into the local cultural framework. Earlier genetic studies further strengthened this notion with the finding that they harbour both Middle Eastern and South Asian genetic components. Although these studies covered both autosomal and uniparental markers, still maternal ancestry was not covered in depth and with good resolution of mitochondrial markers. Hence in our current study, we have first time generated a complete mitogenome of 19 ancient samples of the first Parsi settlers excavated from the archaeological site of Sanjan and performed detailed phylogenetic analysis to infer their maternal genetic affinity. In our analysis, we found that the Parsi mitogenome with mtDNA haplogroup M3a1 + 204 shares clade with both Middle Eastern and South Asian modern individuals in both the Maximum Likelihood tree and Bayesian phylogenetic tree. This haplogroup was also prevalent among the medieval Swat valley population of present-day Northern Pakistan and was also observed in two Roopkund A individuals. In the phylogenetic network this sample share haplotype with both South Asian and Middle Eastern samples. So conclusively, the first Parsi settlers’ maternal ancestry encompasses both South Asian and Middle Eastern genetic composition.

Identification of terrestrial gastropods families found in district Swat, Pakistan.

Very little is known about the malacofauna in district Swat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, situated in the Northern part of Pakistan. The Swat valley possesses a variety of suitable environmental conditions, providing different types of habitats for both flora and fauna. Taken into consideration these points, the present study was conducted to explore the terrestrial snails diversity in agricultural and non-agricultural fields in the lower Swat valley. A total of 417 shells were collected from three sites: Kokarai, Kanju Township, and Deolai. Based on conchological features, three families: Bradybaenidae, Hygromiidae, and Zonitidae were identified using different terrestrial snail keys. In Kokarai and Deolai, shells of members of all the above-mentioned families were found from agricultural fields. In Kanju Township, shells of members of the family Bradybaenidae and Zonitidae were found. From these findings, it was concluded that district Swat possesses a significant malacofauna which was unexplored before and aided more to the existing literature on malacofauna. It also supports the idea that the agroecosystem is rich in species diversity. Further in-depth and extensive study is recommended to be carried out for a detailed taxonomy of the described terrestrial gastropod families.

Regenerating Potential of Dual Purpose Rapeseed (Brassica Napus L.) as Influenced by Decapitation Stress and Variable Rates of Phosphorous

ABSTRACT The investigated study was conducted to determine the regenerating and biological potential of rapeseed and its response to different phosphorus levels and decapitation stress under water-deficit condition. These experiments were conducted at Agriculture Research Institute Mingora Swat, Pakistan, during Rabi season 2012 and 2013. Three levels of phosphorus (30, 60 and 90 kg ha−1) and four levels of decapitation stress from ground to the investigated levels (no stress, 10, 20 and 30 cm) were used with test crop of rapeseed having cultivar Bulbul-98. Results revealed that rapeseed crop possesses optimum regenerating potential for dual purpose and could be a prominent source of profitability. All parameters positively responded to phosphorus fertilization and decapitation stress in terms of seed and oil yield. Phosphorus @ 90 kg ha−1 increased seed yield (1170 kg ha−1), biological yield (11,320 kg ha−1), oil yield (549.9 kg ha−1), thousand seed weight (3.9 g) and other yield contributing parameters followed by at par 60 kg phosphorus ha−1. Decapitation stress influenced growth and production potential of rapeseed and produced optimum number of pods plant−1, seeds pod−1, seed yield, biological yield and oil yield on 30 cm above ground level as compared to other stress implemented plants @ of 10 and 20 cm. Based on the results it was concluded that cultivar “Bulbul-95” treated with phosphorus either @ 60 or 90 kg ha−1 should be decapitate @ 20 or either 30 cm above ground for dual purpose to use as veggies, feed and other commercial purpose and for seed production to get higher production of rapeseed under the agroclimatic condition of swat valley.

De-Radicalization, Rehabilitation and Re-integration of Juvenile Militants in Pakistan: A Case Study of Sabaoon

In the wake of a protracted militancy in the Malakand region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the post-2007 military operations in the Swat valley culminated in the soft counter-insurgency approach under the De-Radicalization and Emancipation Programs (DREP). In doing so, Sabaoon was established in 2009 as the first de-radicalization initiative in Pakistan and the only program in the world to de-radicalize juvenile militants associated with Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Furthermore, Saboon focused on reintegrating the juvenile into their communities as productive and valuable citizens. By drawing on primary and secondary data sources, this paper attempts to highlight the push and pull factors that led the children towards militancy, their rehabilitation methods and techniques used at Sabaoon, and the impacts of the rehabilitation program on reintegration into society. The paper argues that the Sabaoon program aimed to promote religious harmony and tolerance by addressing the ideological and social problems that drove the children towards militancy. The study further argues that most reintegrated children are now running their own small businesses, such as auto-mechanic workshops, carpentry, electronic appliances repair, etc., while some serve in government and non-government institutions. However, the data also suggests a higher recidivism ratio among these juveniles.

DOMESTICATION AND CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED MEDICINAL FLORA AT TWO AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF PAKISTAN.

Northern Pakistan is known for its rich medicinal flora however, more than 150 species are at a greater risk of becoming endangered, mainly due to natural disaster, climate change, nomadic grazing and over harvesting for its ethno-botanical use. Proper domestication and conservation measures is necessary to conserve the medicinal flora. Experimental trials to examine the growth of medicinal plants in the location: Swat and Chitral, wild habitats, fertilizer and control (no fertilizers). Data show that various treatments significantly effected plant Height (cm), plants density m-2, root yield kg ha-1, and Income Rs ha-1 in both the locations. The economical analysis of the data revealed that the maximum income for Glycyrrhiza glabra (840,000 PKR ha-1) and Trillium govanianum (481,325 PKR ha-1) was recorded in NPK applied plots. Simlalry, minimum (220,000 PKR ha-1) for Glycyrrhiza glabra and (104,854 PKR ha-1) recorded for Trillium govanianum in their wild habitat in both the locations. Likewise, maximum morphological growth, yield and income of medicinal plants in Swat valley was higher than Chitral. Furthermore, the production of the medicinal plants in wild habitat is comparatively lower and thus improved production technology is suggested to get higher yield. The findigs revealed that Swat valley is most suitable and productive for the cultivation of medicinal plants as compared to the location Chitral. In addition, growing medicinal plants will be popularized among the farming communities of Pakistan and the gerplasm of these endangered species will be conserved for future use.
 Key words: Medicinal plants, Endangered wild flora, domestication, cultivation, conservation.

Literature as a Source of Ecological Sustainability With Reference to Feminist Writings

Eco Feminist Literature has successfully addressed many ecological and environmental concerns in relation to the exploitation of women in various forms. It has been long that the relationship between the ecology and literature is established with the wide range of literary works having its base on environment and its issues. Women Autobiographies are a form of literature that are used by women writers to express their feelings of themselves in the forms of Memoirs .In certain cases people living in certain geographical regions are captivated by their staunch religious practices which plays an adverse role in preserving the ecological balance. Therefore this paper is an attempt to portray the extremism that exists in the Swat valley and how women autobiographies can contribute to the maintaining the eco system.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in cattle of Swat Valley Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan

Brucellosis has been an emerging, zoonotic disease that is associated with chronic debilitating infections in humans and reproductive failure in domestic animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in samples collected from cattle in Swat valley based on the Rose Bengal precipitation test (RBPT), milk ring test (MRT), and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA for both milk and serum). A total number 0f 310 samples were processed during the study which consists of 200 serum samples and 110 milk samples. The 200 serum samples were collected from male and female cattle (n=11and n=189).The RBPT and i-ELISA (serum) detected antibodies against B.abortus showed 1.587%, 2.12% in females through both tests respectively, and 0.0% in males on both techniques. The milk samples (n=110) detected B.abortus antibodies 0.9%, 1.82% through MRT and i-ELISA (milk) respectively. The comparative efficacy of MRT and i-ELISA (milk) was also analyzed statistically by z-test, the data revealed insignificant results (p= 0.561) also statistical analysis of RBPT and i-ELISA (serum) findings showed insignificant results (p= 0.703) therefore both results are higher than the significant level (0.05). Keywords: brucellosis; ELISA; Milk ring test; Rose Bengal plate test; Sero-prevalence http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100149

Transformational leadership and innovative work behavior in three-star hotels: mediating role of leader-member exchange, knowledge sharing and voice behavior

PurposeDifferent leadership styles are used to make innovations in organizations. So, a sound system of social exchanges has always been a need in this dynamic and technological world to challenge organizational problems. Drawing on the social exchange theory, this study aims to empirically investigate the mediating relationship of a set of social exchanges, e.g. leader-member exchange (L.M.X.), knowledge sharing behavior (K.S.B.) and voice behavior (V.B.), between transformational leadership (T.L) and innovative work behavior (I.W.B). Particularly, it explores the best social exchange behavior between T.L and I.W.B that plays a highly constructive role in the innovativeness of the hospitality industry in Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachThe study targeted 403 frontline employees from hotels situated near Swat Valley, Pakistan. The study used a quantitative approach by using a convenient sampling technique. Structural equation modeling was run by using Smart partial least square 3.3.3 to test the proposed model.FindingsThe research supported that T.L significantly influenced I.W.B via a L.M.X., K.S.B. and V.B. T.L did not directly and significantly influence I.W.B so, there were full mediations between T.L and I.W.B. Specifically, knowledge-sharing behavior played a highly constructive role in innovativeness.Research limitations/implicationsThe study targeted frontline employees from one place, Swat valley; however, data collection from different tourist places may generalize the results based on social exchanges and innovative behavior. A dyadic interaction between top-level and middle-level management may closely trace the innovative ideas among the employees.Practical implicationsThe study found knowledge sharing to be a highly effective mechanism that supports employee innovation more than a L.M.X. and V.B. As a result, the managers should establish a sound system of knowledge sharing, which means a knowledge economy so that employees innovativeness can be boosted and promoted.Originality/valueThe present study was the first study in the hotel industry of Pakistan that reveals a highly effective mediating mechanism: K.S.B., which exists with T.L to increase workers’ innovativeness highly.

First record of the hoverfly genus Spilomyia Meigen (Diptera: Syrphidae) for Pakistan

The genus Spilomyia Meigen, 1803 along with Spilomyia manicata (Rondani, 1865) are recorded for the first time from Swat valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The diagnostic characters with photographs and distribution map of this rarely known species from Pakistan and its neighboring countries are provided.

LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES APPLIED TO A BUDDHIST CARVED ROCK SCULPTURE

Abstract. The Swat valley (Pakistan) has always been considered an important center of Gandhara art. Due to the unfavourable conditions, this artistic phenomenon has long been almost ignored or underestimated, but its documentation is essential for study the symbolism of the figures, their spatial organization, their stylistic variation and their conservative state. The methodology proposed in this project starts form the 3D acquisition with a structured light system in order to obtain a 3D high resolution model of Buddhist carved rock sculpture. From the 3D geometry, The Digital Elevation Model is produced. This DEM is the starting points for the surface analysis using Remote Sensing approaches for classify landforms using pattern recognition. The surface is considered as a landscape, where carved are valleys bordered by slopes and crests. Hillshading, slope analysis and geomorphons are used in order to highlight the surface feature, to “read” all the details not visible due to the bad condition and to map surface state of conservation.

Investigating the degradation behavior of Cypermethrin (CYP) and Chlorpyrifos (CPP) in peach orchard soils using organic/inorganic amendments.

Reducing toxic effects of pesticide residues in agricultural soils through organic amendments is an eco-friendly technique. Cypermethrin (CYP) and Chlorpyrifos (CPP) are widely used pesticides in peach growing orchards in Swat valley of Pakistan. The aim of the current study was to investigate the degradation behavior of CYP and CPP in soil by the application of different combination of organic/inorganic amendments. A total of 36 soil samples were used in the current incubation study which was collected from 4 peach orchards in district Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Different amendments including urea, farm yard manure (FYM) and saprofil were applied alone and in various combinations. The initial concentrations of CYP and CPP in the tested soil was range from 0.94 to 4.8 mg kg−1 and 0.024 to 4.12 to mg kg−1. Soil samples were taken at 5, 15, 30 and 45 days after exposure to different treatments. The extraction of pesticides from soils was done through quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method. Soils amended with urea, FYM and saprofil individually and in combinations significantly reduced the concentrations of CYP and CPP. However, the concentration of CYP (24.6) and CPP (27.0) in soil showed higher reduction through the application of FYM. While the concentrations of CYP and CPP were declined with the 5, 15, 30 and 45 days intervals, however, reduction at day 30 and 45 was faster for CYP (16.7 to 8.46) than CPP (20.2 to 12.3). At day 5 and 15, the CYP (42.5 to 30.7) was slightly lower than CPP (42.9 to 32.7).The highest half-life value (t ½) of CYP was in control treatment (32 days) and the shortest was soil amended with FYM (18.6 days). While the longest half-life value (t ½) of CPP was maximum in control treatment (42 days) and the minimum was in FYM (22 days). Based on our findings, it was concluded that soil application of FYM is recommended for the degradation of CYP and CPP.

Estimation of erosion induced nutrients loss under different land uses: A case study in Miandam Valley, Swat Pakistan

In order to design Sustainable Land Management (SLM) plans or interventions it is important to understand the land use change and subsequent impacts. The basic aim of this study was to assess the impact of land use land cover (LULC) change on soil physico-chemical properties and nutrients loss under different land use/land cover changes within Miandam watershed of Swat valley, Pakistan. The study area was divided into three major types on the basis LULC type (Dense forest, Moderate forest and Agriculture land). A total of 81 soil samples were collected from the study area (27 from each land use) through stratified random sampling and were transferred to the laboratory. The prepared soil samples were then tested for various physico-chemical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, contents of organic matter, organic carbon, sand, silt, clay, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper and zinc. Results showed that LULC significantly affected all soil parameters except electrical conductivity and potassium. For all the nutrients assessed, the enrichment ratio was greater than 1 which showed that the most fertile layer of the soil in the cropped areas was transported through soil erosion. In this study, time-series satellite images were used to determine the spatiotemporal changes in the LULC of Miandam valley of Swat, Pakistan, and the possible effect of LULC on soil properties was reported. The information generated on the soil properties as indicators of soil health could be used to inform the stakeholders about the effect of LULC change in the study area. Multi-temporal image acquired by Landsat sensors for the year 2018 was used for quantifying changes in the study area. The Landsat images for the year 2018 were classified into six land cover/land use classes. The increase in agricultural activities caused an increase in the land farming areas which led to an increase in the rate of deforestation in the valley. Thus, the present study results reveal that the use of the soil for agriculture instead of keeping them naturally or in other words changes in the land use land cover affects the soil physico-chemical properties and the overall nutrients availability. Keywords: land use/land cover, soil properties, soil nutrients, Miandam, Swat valley DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211402.5704 Citation: Yousaf N, Khan B, Flanagan D C, Mian I A, Iqbal J, Rashid I, et al. Estimation of erosion induced nutrients loss under different land uses: A case study in Miandam Valley, Swat Pakistan. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(2): 135–141.

CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF TERRORISM IN SWAT VALLEY (2007-2017)

Terrorism is a universally contested concept with varying understanding in different regions of the world. Its conceptualization in developed countries and developing countries is different in the essence of perception and operationalization. This study attempts to explore the genesis of terrorism generally in Pakistan and Swat valley in particular. It explores the causes and major driving forces of terrorism and the factors which contributed to its spread because of social fault lines. The menace of terrorism had been globalized in the wake of 9/11, which led the US to initiate global war on terror, but its implications on Pakistan were triggered by the US invasion of Afghanistan and the contributions of Pakistan in this regard. The global geographic attraction of Pakistan makes it vulnerable to any critical development in the world by default. To analyze the causes and impacts of the study, this study relies on a descriptive method of analysis backed by primary and secondary data in a bid to provide more diversity for a broader understanding of the outcome. This study found out multiple factors including weak social fabric, political instability, the grim economic situation of masses, poor education and health facilities, and above all, lack of social justice responsible for instigating violence in the region and urge to challenge the writ of the state, this study further debates on the losses incurred to inhabitants with the destruction of civil infrastructure. Pakistan lost approximately 35000 civilians and 7000 military personnel in the war on terror in exclusion to the loss of the economy in this particular area. This study efforts to suggest concrete steps to improve security conditions in the area to foster socio-economic development in the region and provide adequate facilities and living standards.

Hate Speeches on Twitter and Facebook in South Asia: A Case Study Of Malala Yousufzai

Nowadays social media platforms have become a medium that allows people to post anything they wish. Since the time internet grew, a radical change has been discerned in society. With the emergence of social media sites, many challenges also thrived in the society that took the society into interesting and alarming ways altogether. As time is passing as technology is intensifying new forms of hate, abuse, bullying, and discrimination are also increasing in society. It can be said that digital technology is reshaping coercion based on caste, color, gender, race, culture, likes, dislikes. Many societies are concerned with this problem of growing hate speeches on social media but no proper barrier on these sites has been seen to prevent hate discourses. This study examined the attitudes of social media users including Facebook and Twitter over the incident of Noble Prize laureate Malala Yousufzai, a young activist who worked and spoke for the educational rights of girls who were born in Swat valley. She spoke against this erroneous system that didn’t allow girls to gain education and became a prominent member of society at the little age of 14. She was shot by Taliban and then a controversy started against her, some people admired her and she became a celebrity all over South Asia while an extreme amount of criticism was also seen against her incident. Through this study, we aim to understand the abundance of hate speech on Facebook and Twitter in South Asia by using Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods. For that purpose we took the case study method and provide a large-scale measurement and analysis of different hashtags used during the case of Malala on the social media platform. To achieve the objective of our research, we amassed Tweets and Facebook posts posted since the year 2011 till now related to this case. This article identifies numerous forms of hate speeches on social media that are arising in South Asia and altering the minds of people using social media, it is also guiding how to abate hate speeches that are delivered on social media with particular hashtags on various incidents and matters. The collected data revealed that hate speech has become a social problem with substantial inimical effects in societies. This study explains that social media should be utilized to benefit mankind positively and gently.

Prevalence of melancholy in swat valley, Pakistan

Melancholy is major mental challenges that is characterize by sadness, sleep disorder, decrease energy, etc. It also have a great social and mental consequences, it is well know that depression will be the second largest cause of disability globally till 2020. The risk are even higher in developed countries. According to world health organization globally it effect more than 121 million people. Depression is a complex and multi-dimensional anarchy according to it has many faces and cannot be describing by one simple formula because it originate from numerous complex mechanism. Multi-faced nature of depression makes it difficult to find out its etiology. The purpose of this study is to find out the prevalence of melancholy in different age groups and genders in district Swat. Overall 300 samples were collected randomly across different age groups and genders in which we found the prevalence of melancholy were 48.3% in which male depressed individual were 27.6% while female depressed were 20.6%. The number of depressed individual were maximum in age group vary from 10-20 which is 15%. To conclude depression is easily manageable but it need understanding that how to control your feeling and thought and think new and positively.

Civilians’ survival strategies during the Taliban’s insurgency (2007-9), Pakistan: a look at the consequences

ABSTRACT This article explores the Taliban’s insurgency (2007–9) in Swat valley (Pakistan), with two objectives: (a) how civilians survive violence and (b) what their survival strategies mean for them. Drawing on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, conducted in 2016 to 2019, it offers a typology of civilians’ survival strategies which includes resistance, accommodation, readjustment and withdrawal. It finds that although the strategies worked, resistance and accommodation have had a detrimental impact on civilians in the form of direct violence. In comparison, readjustment and withdrawal helped them avoiding direct violence but have had a negative impact on civilian life and society.