Post-conflict Rehabilitation: Understanding the Role of Civil-Military Cooperation in Supporting Child Protection Units (CPUs) in Newly Merged Districts (NMDs), Pakistan

Several studies have examined the humanitarian Civil-Military Cooperation ( CIMIC ) in post - conflict environments . However , there has been limited focus on establishing and making available an institutional setup for child welfare , which harnesses CIMIC experiences in the post - conflict rehabilitation phase . This paper aims to address this gap in the Newly Merged Districts ( NMDs ) of Pakistan, where the local population experienced a series of crises in the form of terrorism , subsequent military operations , and conflict - induced internal displacement , making children , in particular , extremely vulnerable . In doing so, the paper outlines the underreported vulnerabilities related to the children of NMDs and further identifies the related institutional dynamics of CIMIC in the immediate post - conflict environment . The key findings encompass the delineation of direct and indirect vulnerabilities and the identification of a lack of distinction between child welfare and protection for adequate redressal policies . Regarding the pre - existing institutional infrastructure , the study confirms the prominent role of national and international development organizations and further validates the discord between relevant government departments in providing child welfare services . Furthermore , this research argues that the Pakistan military deployed throughout the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) effectively utilized the pre - existing social - tribal hierarchy to provide protection and development services . The research suggests that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority ( PDMA ), specifically through its Gender and Child Cell , collaborates closely with the Social Welfare Department , which is responsible for providing child protection and welfare services in the post - merger environment . The objective of this collaborative effort is to facilitate the effective and practical implementation of Child Protection Units (CPUs) in the NMDs .