Staff Reporter
The Dir Think Tank (DTT) and Dir Overseas Pakistani Association (DOPA) have jointly initiated actionable research in multiple sectors by working with top national and international universities for strategic development in Dir.
In this regard, members of academia and teaching faculty from six universities including universities in Dir, Private, Public, and international have taken the lead on these actionable research and analysis.
The key sectors identified for research and analysis are Human Capital Development, Tourism Industry, Mines and Mineral Industry, Fisheries & Wildlife, Agriculture Industry and Peace in the Region.
These actionable research and analysis initiatives will provide practical, useful, and applicable findings to facilitate and inform in decisions making, guiding policies, and leading to tangible outcomes. In addition to academia, the other stakeholders for this research and analysis include policymakers, investors, practitioners, businesses, communities, and influential individuals.
Esteemed professors namely Dr. Hanif Yousufzai from University of Malakand, Dr. Sadeeq Ur Rehman from Abdul Wali Khan University, Dr. Zul Kamal from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU), Dr. Atiq Ur Rehman from Higher Colleges of Technology (UAE), Dr. Fayaz Ali Shah from Islamia College University and Dr. Wali Rehman from Sarhad University will be leading these sector specific researches.
Founder of DTT and DOPA, Rahim Shah Akhunkhail while commenting on the development said, “I am grateful to these honorable professors for leading these researches which could be decisive to the development of the region by highlighting the strategic importance of Dir and attracting investments.”
Dir alone has a population of 2.7 million people and is expected to grow to 3.0 million by year 2028 as per the statistics of the most recent census, he said.
Dr. Atiq Ur Rehman, a DTT member and Professor at Higher Colleges of Technology in UAE was of the view that skills requirements in the workforce was constantly changing and optimization of human capital can play a pivotal role via targeted education and training to meet the demands of local and global economies.
Overseas Pakistanis from Dir play a critical role not only in Dir’s economy but also in Pakistan’s uplift. Currently, there is no industry in Dir and its primary source of income is remittances sent by people of Dir living abroad.
“The human capital and the hidden investment opportunities in Dir are significantly under-marketed. We are confident that these researches with clear recommendations, specific solutions, measurable outcomes, and real-world relevance will change the dynamics of the region,” said Dr. Naeem Sheik, professor and DTT spokesperson.
Outcome of the research and analysis initiatives will be presented in conference to stakeholders, policymakers, industry leaders, academicians, and the public by October, 2024, he said.
It may be mentioned here that DTT & DOPA advocate regional development through research & analysis, highlighting needs & solutions, guiding lawmakers, public & institutions in shaping policies, monitoring initiatives, engaging in peace-building measures, and continuous improvements.
