Beyond the Framework: Assessing the Integration of Indigenous Views in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Climate Change Policy

Abstract

This study assesses the climate change policy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province of Pakistan, from the perspective of indigenous communities.  The Pakistan federal government directed provinces to develop a climate change policy. To control the worst effects of climate change, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) a province of Pakistan developed a climate change policy in 2022. This study examines the perception of indigenous communities residing in merged districts and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regarding the province's climate change policy. The qualitative research methodology was applied.  The primary data were collected through in-depth interviews with the Pashtun, Kalasha, and Khu indigenous communities to understand their perceptions. It is revealed that the climate change policy does not give space to indigenous voices. It is also revealed that the current climate change policy has not been addressing the problems of indigenous communities that arise due to climate change. Climate change policy must be designed in a way that strengthens indigenous resilience and addresses the unique vulnerabilities of indigenous communities. Indigenous perspectives will provide a thorough understanding of the inclusiveness, efficacy, and pliable effects of these policies at the local level.