Union Council Litan: Addressing the Challenges of a Deprived Area.

Research: Wajid Nawaz Dhole.

Aslam Jaan Usufzai.

Union Council Litan, home to over 30,000 people, faces significant challenges in terms of basic infrastructure and essential services. Despite its large population, the region is severely lacking in health, education, and other vital amenities, contributing to a lower standard of living compared to urban areas.

Education Crisis:

The education rate in Union Council Litan is significantly lower than that of nearby cities. Girls, in particular, are affected, with educational opportunities limited to primary schools, and the female literacy rate barely reaching 20%. The lack of proper educational institutions and resources exacerbates the situation, limiting the potential for a brighter future for the children of the region.

Agriculture Struggles:

The main agricultural product in the region is gram, cultivated under rainfed conditions. Unfortunately, the area has faced a drought for the past five years, severely affecting crop yields. As a result, farmers are unable to meet their basic needs and even struggle to fulfill the cost of seeds. Many have turned to loans from agricultural and commercial banks to fund their crops, but with little success, they are now burdened with insurmountable debt. The situation has left farmers vulnerable, with many households facing the threat of starvation.

Lack of Health Infrastructure:

Healthcare services are virtually nonexistent in Union Council Litan. The nearest healthcare facility is located 60 km away, with access through rough, unpaved roads. Due to this distance and the area’s underdeveloped infrastructure, the community has little access to proper medical care. Many women tragically lose their lives during childbirth, while many children are born with disabilities due to malnutrition and weakness. This dire situation has led to a reliance on semi-skilled traditional healers, further highlighting the region’s health crisis.

Living Conditions and Energy Shortages:

The living conditions in Union Council Litan are harsh, with many families residing in makeshift camps along roadsides without electricity. A few large landowners have installed solar panels to power their agricultural activities, but most farmers continue to rely on outdated and expensive petrol engines, which are no longer viable due to the rising cost of diesel. The lack of energy access exacerbates the challenges, leaving many communities struggling to meet their basic needs.

Vulnerable Population and Environmental Hazards:

A significant portion of the population lives in slum-like conditions, which are further impacted by seasonal natural disasters. Every year, between June and August, mud storms cause significant damage, collapsing roofs, destroying crops, and uprooting trees. The destruction leaves families in even more vulnerable positions. Additionally, the lack of food security during the winter months forces many families, including children, to work in brick kilns and other labor-intensive jobs just to survive.

Union Council Litan is in desperate need of support and infrastructure development to address these critical issues. Education, healthcare, agriculture, and basic living conditions require immediate attention to improve the quality of life for its residents.

Research: Wajid Nawaz Dhole

Aslam Jaan Usufzai