WAZIRISTAN (Kashmir English): The government is reportedly considering imposing restrictions on the picking and harvesting of the pine nut [chilgoza] in North and South Waziristan this year amid concerns over the alleged facilitation of militant activities.
The sources said the proposal is under review in light of security assessments indicating that dense chilgoza orchards and forested areas have allegedly been used by militants and their local facilitators to prepare and conceal improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
According to the sources, security forces have significantly reduced the effectiveness of militant attacks in the region, with only two out of ten IED attacks reportedly succeeding, resulting in very few casualties.
However, officials believe some local facilitators have allegedly exploited the security environment provided for the annual Chilgoza harvest by offering shelter and logistical support to militants, including assistance in planting explosives and carrying out attacks against security personnel.
Keeping this in mind, the government has started considering various aspects regarding the harvesting of the Chilgoza crop in North and South Waziristan this year.
Although the nut harvest is an important source of income for the local population, it has come to light in the past few years that in areas where security forces provide a safe environment for local people to harvest the nut, some local elements also provided safe havens to terrorists.
Sources said the government considers such a “dual approach” unacceptable and is evaluating different options regarding this year’s harvest.
Authorities are expected to seek assurances from local communities that they will fully cooperate with state institutions and refrain from providing any form of support or facilitation to militant groups.
Every year, security forces assist residents by providing security during the harvesting season, enabling the crop to contribute to the regional economy and household incomes, sources said.
According to the sources, if local communities demonstrate full cooperation and coordination with the authorities, the harvest may proceed under enhanced security arrangements. Otherwise, the government and relevant institutions could take stricter measures in response to the prevailing security situation.
