Reconstruction at the meso level:Rebuilding everyday life in post-conflict Malakand, Pakistan

Meso level institutions are integral to everyday life but are often overlooked in post-civil war rebuilding efforts. This study, based on a qualitative dataset of 27 interviews and 11 focus groups conducted in Malakand Division, Pakistan, reveals that many of the institutions that are vital to local stakeholders have been neglected in the region’s reconstruction efforts. In addition to considerable loss of life, the conflict between the Taliban and Pakistan’s armed forces caused extensive damage not only to physical infrastructure but also to a range of less formalised aspects of Pashtun society. Our findings suggest that prioritising meso-level institutional rebuilding is essential for restoring community relationships, trust, and resilience and so could enhance the effectiveness of postconflict reconstruction strategies.