by Amin Khan

Waziristan is a talent rich area. It has produced many athletes at local and international level. The local players have struggled on their own to support themselves without having any facility in the area. Some of the players did not stop their struggle during the two decade- war. They searched new goals to grab their destination in their lives. The terror war began that after 9/11 incident and left drastic consequences on the region. The adjacent area with Afghanistan faced worst situations. Many people lost their lives and left their abodes.

During such arduous situation the young generation did not stop. They searched new channels for themselves to reach their goals. The demolished houses in South Waziristan compelled them to bring a change in their personalities. The athletic blood chased opportunities in different areas of Pakistan and did not let the deprivation upon them. It will not be wrong if we suggest the name of “sports house” to South Waziristan. There is a thirst for sporting passion within the war facing area. The fandom for athletic life spread its roots after war on terror. Abandoning parental area was not an easy task for most of the dwellers but they sacrificed their village life for the sake of making their sporting careers. The affinity with sports increased within the sporting blood when they used to watch athletes on the TV screen.

Many families preferred to move back to South Waziristan due to poverty. The worst ever financial situation didn`t let many families stay away from South Waziristan. After returning to their parental area, they found their demolished houses but didn`t lose their mountain like courage. They started building their houses in that old fashion which was considered as the cultural structure before war on terror. The rebuilt houses injected a courage in the war affected mob.

The fertile land produced a bunch of players after confronting catastrophic situation. The leading player among those players is Irfan Mehsud. He earned 150 Guinness World record in the mixed martial arts. He received highest presidential award on 23, March 2023. Irfan Mehsud received innumerable awards from different platforms of South Waziristan. Among these platforms The Youth Forum of South Waziristan awarded him with Waziristan award.

In a recent Youth MMA event, in Bahrain, Amin Mehsud, student of Irfan Mehsud, grabbed bronze middle in the event. The fighter got selected for the Asian youth games which will be held in the month of October.

Scarcity of amenities

The infrastructure of this buffer zone is deplorable since Pakistan’s emergence. None of the political leader show any compassion towards this area. When the British tried to strengthen their roots within this stunning vista then they focused on its development and constructed many bridges, roads and buildings. Their rule started from late 1800 till 1947.

During their rule they wanted to have a controlling   hand on the area. The British utilised their pelf for their own betterment. They tried to connect the regions for their own facilitation. British leftover bridges are their precious assets in Pakistan. The bridges are still in working conditions in many areas. Their constructed roads and infrastructure show their strong plans which they had for the development of the area. The freedom of 1947 brought smiles on many tribal complexions. Their fate didn`t   change after freedom in different sections. The most miserable condition is of education, medical, sports, construction, tourism, health, hospitals and many other fields.

Involvement of teenagers in drugs

The lack of facilities pushed many youngsters towards drug addiction in the area. The drugs are sold in many areas of the district. The youngsters have less opportunities to engage themselves in the fruitful activities. The deprived landscape dragged uncountable people on the track of drugs. The administration of the area is very deceitful in the prevention of drugs availability. Different spots have been built for the supply of these hazardous items. The travelling cars, vans and local transports stay at these spots for purchasing the addicting items. The suppliers present these drugs to the administrative officials as a gift. The chain of addiction strengthened by these officials. This poison causes health issues later.

This poison not only affects the health of the youngsters. The drug addiction problem transfers from one individual to another. It spreads like fire in a jungle. This issue needs to be prevented by the officials rather than being be supported. Combating illegal drug trafficking is controlled by Anti Narcotics Force(ANF). These departments turn a deaf ear for the prevention of the drugs in the area. Their strict regulations can be very advantageous for the adults.   

Decline in Sports Culture

The declining interest of youth in sports is a growing concern largely fuelled by the lack of accessible sports grounds and poor administrative support. In many communities, the absence of proper infrastructure for games like cricket, football and other outdoor activities leaves young people with limited opportunities to engage in physical activity or develop their talents. Even where minimal facilities exist, mismanagement and poor maintenance discourage participation. As a result, countless young talents remain unrecognized and undeveloped, their potential wasted due to circumstances beyond their control. This not only affects individual growth but also weakens the overall sports culture and spirit of healthy competition in society.

South Waziristan, like many underdeveloped regions, suffers from a severe lack of sports infrastructure which is contributing to a decline in youth engagement and the waste of immense local talent. The absence of proper cricket, football, and other sports grounds, combined with poor administration, has left the young generation with limited options for healthy recreation or professional sports development. This not only discourages physical activity but also buries the potential of many talented youths who could represent the region at national and international levels. It is crucial that authorities take immediate steps to facilitate South Waziristan with well-maintained sports grounds and training programs, ensuring that young talent is nurtured rather than neglected.