Degree

Master of Science in Journalism

Faculty / School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Supervisor

Shahzeb Ahmed Hashim, Lecturer, Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ)

Second Supervisor

Ms. Yumna Fatima

Project Type

MSJ Capstone

Keywords

Boroghol Valley, Peatland Depletion, Glacier Melt, Climate Change, Indigenous Communities, Energy Crisis, Environmental Degradation

Abstract / Summary

This investigative multimedia project examines the interconnected crisis of peatland depletion and glacier melt in the Broghol Valley, Upper Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Located at an altitude of around 3,000 metres, the valley experiences harsh winters lasting up to eight months, forcing indigenous communities to rely heavily on peat, locally known as Chim, for heating and cooking. Ground reporting and interviews with local residents, environmental experts, development practitioners, and other stakeholders reveal that excessive peat extraction has severely degraded the valley’s peatlands. Research cited in the project indicates that around 90% of peatlands in villages such as Chikar and Iskarwaz have already been extracted. This degradation threatens the ecosystem’s ability to store carbon, regulate water, support biodiversity, and protect communities from environmental hazards. At the same time, the rapid melting of nearby glaciers, including Chatiboi and Chiantar, is increasing concerns about water insecurity, flooding, and ecological imbalance. The investigation also highlights significant governance gaps, including limited government intervention, inadequate funding, weak institutional coordination, and the absence of specific peatland protection measures. Despite understanding the environmental consequences, local communities continue extracting peat because they lack affordable and accessible alternatives. The project argues that conservation cannot succeed without addressing the energy needs and livelihoods of the indigenous population. It recommends developing alternative energy sources, particularly hydropower, alongside community-led conservation, peatland restoration, livelihood diversification, environmental awareness, and long-term monitoring. Ultimately, the project presents Boroghol as a critical example of how climate vulnerability, energy poverty, ecological degradation, and governance failures intersect, calling for urgent and communitycentred action to protect both the environment and the people who depend on it.

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This research is openly accessible under CC By 4.0.

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