Initiative launched in Dir for regional development

TIMERGARA: In a bid to bridge the gap between research and practice, Dir Think Tank (DTT) and Dir Overseas Pakistani Association (DOPA) have launched initiatives aimed at fostering regional development.

Rahim Shah Akhunkhail, chief of DTT and DOPA, said both bodies, composed of people dedicated to regional progress through research and analysis, will collaborate with national and international university academia.

He said researchers from six universities, both public and private, in Dir and other districts will spearhead actionable research and analysis in various sectors.Leading these efforts are Dr Hanif Yousufzai (University of Malakand), Dr Sadeequr Rehman (Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan), Dr Zul Kamal (Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Sheringal), Dr Atiqur Rehman (Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE), Dr Fayaz Ali Shah (Islamia College University Peshawar), and Dr Wali Rehman (Sarhad University).

Akhunkhail said the identified sectors for research include human capital development, tourism, mines and minerals, fisheries, wildlife, agriculture, and regional peace.The outcomes of these studies aim to guide policies, and produce tangible results beneficial to policymakers, investors, practitioners, businesses, and the general public.

Akhunkhail emphasised the potential of these initiatives to attract investments by showcasing Dir’s strategic importance and untapped opportunities.He said: “The research findings, with clear recommendations and measurable outcomes, will reshape the dynamics of the region,”, adding that a conference in October would present these insights to stakeholders, policymakers, industry leaders, and academics.

Dr Atiqur Rehman, also a member of DTT and a professor at the Higher Colleges of Technology in UAE, underscored the evolving skills requirements in the local and global workforce.He highlighted the pivotal role of overseas Pakistanis from Dir in boosting both the local economy and Pakistan as a whole, noting that remittances currently sustain the region without a developed industrial base.

With a population expected to grow to 3 million by 2028, Lower and Upper Dir present significant potential for economic growth through targeted education, training, and leveraging human capital.The collaborative efforts of DTT and DOPA aim to transform Dir by leveraging research-backed strategies for sustainable development and economic prosperity.