A high-level meeting in Peshawar has taken crucial decisions to secure educational opportunities for youth from the formerly tribal regions. The Standing Committee of the Cabinet, focusing on quota policies for medical and dental college admissions, convened to chart a clear path for the academic year 2025-26 and beyond.
Quota Policy Extended and Authority Transferred
The session, held in the Home Department's committee room, was chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Human Rights, Aftab Alam Advocate. Key attendees included an MNA from Upper Orakzai and an MPA from Lower and Upper South Waziristan, alongside senior officials from the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.
Officials briefed the committee on the evolution of the quota system. Before the merger of the former FATA with KP, the nomination for reserved seats in medical colleges was managed at the federal level. This authority has now been fully transferred to the provincial government. In a significant move, the committee confirmed that the existing quota policy for candidates from the merged districts will be extended until the year 2028.
Focus on Transparency and Ground Realities
The meeting also engaged in detailed deliberations on how to distribute seats fairly following the creation of new districts within the merged areas. Law Minister Aftab Alam Advocate emphasized the high talent pool among the youth of these regions. He stated the government's unwavering commitment to providing them with equal opportunities in professional education.
"The formulation of the quota policy will take into account constitutional requirements, judicial directives, legal considerations, and ground realities," the Minister asserted. He stressed that there would be no compromise on the principles of transparency and merit. Alam highlighted that education, particularly in fields like medicine and dentistry, is pivotal for integrating the merged districts into the national mainstream.
Recommendations for Timely Admissions
To ensure a smooth process for the upcoming academic cycle, the committee decided to finalize its recommendations and present them to the provincial cabinet promptly. This step is aimed at facilitating the admission process for the 2025-26 academic year without any ambiguity or delay.
The minister reiterated the provincial government's resolve to continue implementing all possible measures for the educational development and welfare of the people, especially the youth, in the merged districts. This policy extension and review signify a continued effort to address historical disparities and invest in the future of the region's students.
