The pine nut industry in South Waziristan has become a key player in the local economy, generating an impressive Rs14 billion in annual revenue through international exports. Mohammad Nasir Khan, Deputy Commissioner of South Waziristan Lower District, highlighted in 2023 that the pine nut trade has become a vital economic driver for the region, offering significant income opportunities for local communities.
To further bolster the sector’s impact, plans are in place to establish a processing plant, which is expected to create additional employment opportunities for local youth while enhancing the region’s agricultural infrastructure. The trade operates through established legal channels, benefiting both local traders and the wider community by integrating South Waziristan’s agricultural products into national and global markets.
The growth of pine nut orchards is part of broader agricultural development efforts aimed at stabilizing the economy of South Waziristan. District authorities emphasized that the success of these initiatives is helping the region recover and thrive economically. A video from Eid-ul-Fitr 2022 showcasing these orchards has recently drawn attention, with officials clarifying that it demonstrates the region’s agricultural progress.
Local residents involved in the pine nut trade report that the formalized business structure has provided sustainable livelihoods and contributed to Pakistan’s agricultural export sector. The upcoming processing facility is expected to further amplify the sector’s role in boosting the regional economy.
