Lessons from Pakistan: Analyzing the Effects of Peace and Conflict through Peace and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA)

Abstract

Due to the prior presence of International Development Agencies (IDAs) in countries affected by violence, it was deemed crucial in the first decade of the 21st century to thoroughly examine, understand, and approach the outcomes of these efforts with care. The concept of Peace and War Impact Assessment (PCIA) emerged as a response to the challenges and complexities associated with development and humanitarian initiatives in war zones. The Peacebuilding and Conflict Impact Assessment (PCIA) highlights the importance of conducting conflict analyses at crucial stages of project cycles and before commencing operations in conflict-affected or conflict-prone areas, in order to uphold peace and promote conflict sensitivity. The objective of these investigations should be to maintain concord and enhance awareness of future disputes. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Performance and Competency Improvement Assessment (PCIA) undertaken by the Pakistani Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs). Previous studies have shown that there is a lack of understanding of Participatory Community Impact Assessment (PCIA) at the project level. Moreover, individuals operating at the grassroots level have a limited comprehension of these tactics. After conducting a comprehensive investigation of the disparities between theory and practice, several suggestions were put forward as possible solutions.