From conflict to community: rebuilding Pakistan’s Khyber District

In a region shaped by conflict, communities are coming together to rebuild – not just homes and livelihoods, but dignity and inclusion. At the heart of this transformation are older people and persons with disabilities.

Why Khyber District?

Pakistan’s Khyber District, bordering Afghanistan, has experienced decades of conflict, displacement, and poverty. Many communities here are still recovering, and older people and persons with disabilities (PWDs) are often the most affected. They face exclusion, lack access to basic services, and are rarely heard in community decision-making.

HelpAge International’s Pakistan country office and the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) launched a project in this region to change that. With funding from HelpAge Deutschland through BMZ (Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), the three-year initiative aimed to rebuild lives by promoting peace, inclusion, and resilience – starting with the people most often left behind.

A community-led approach

From 2021 to 2024, the project worked across 65 villages in Bara Tehsil, a conflict-affected area of Khyber District. At its heart was a simple but powerful idea: that older people and PWDs are vital to building a peaceful and inclusive society.

The project supported community members to come together, learn new skills, and work towards shared goals. It also helped restore traditional respect for elders and encouraged young people to engage with older generations in positive ways.

The final report tells the full story of the project—its challenges, successes, and what we learned along the way. It highlights five key areas:

• Community leadership: Senior Citizen Committees (SCCs) were formed to lead local conflict resolution and peacebuilding activities.
• Inclusive spaces: Cultural and sports facilities were created to bring people of all ages and abilities together.
• Livelihood support: Older people, women, and youth received training in practical skills to help them earn a living.
• Advocacy and policy: The project worked with local leaders and institutions to make sure ageing and disability are part of development planning.
• Changing attitudes: A Behavioural Change Communication strategy was introduced to challenge ageism and promote positive views of older people.

Real stories from the community

The report includes firsthand accounts from the people involved: older women starting their own businesses, young athletes building confidence, and communities resolving long-standing disputes through dialogue and mutual respect. Read these stories.

Working together

This project was made possible through working in partnership with other organisations:

• HelpAge International shared technical knowledge on ageing and inclusion.
• BMZ provided the funding.
• HelpAge Deutschland offered strategic guidance and managed the grant.
• Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) led the work on the ground, engaging directly with communities.

Find out more about our work to promote income security.