Governor Assures Tribal Elders of Support
Peshawar: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday stated that lasting peace in the merged districts, particularly Waziristan, is inseparable from sustainable development. He assured tribal elders that he would bring their concerns to the highest authorities. The Governor made these remarks while talking to a North Waziristan jirga led by Noor Rehman Dawar at the Governor House.
Waziristan as His Own Area
Kundi emphasized that Waziristan is his own area and reiterated that the Governor House would always remain open to the people of the tribal districts. He acknowledged that the people of the erstwhile FATA had rendered unparalleled sacrifices for the country and deserved lasting peace, development, and improved public services.
Call for Consultation and Consensus
The Governor stressed that issues of the merged districts must be addressed through consultation and consensus, stating that only collective efforts could pave the way for mega development projects in the region. Referring to the constitutional merger of the tribal districts, Kundi noted that all powers had been transferred to the provincial government. He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to effectively utilize the development funds allocated for the merged areas.
Transparent Use of Funds
Kundi called for transparent spending of the annual Rs100 billion allocation and the three percent share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award for the welfare of the tribal population. He warned that funds meant for the merged districts should not be diverted elsewhere. The Governor also called for addressing issues related to taxes in the former FATA and PATA regions, high electricity tariffs, and the construction of dams to ensure affordable energy and water security.
Economic Potential and Border Trade
Highlighting the economic potential of the province, Kundi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rich in minerals, oil, gas, and tourism resources, but these sectors require a comprehensive mechanism and effective planning to fully benefit the people. He emphasized the need to reopen border crossings with Afghanistan to promote bilateral trade and economic activity, which would create employment opportunities and contribute to regional stability.
NADRA Centres and Previous Resolutions
The Governor said NADRA facilitation centres have been established in the merged districts to improve access to essential public services. He added that issues such as CNG supply and wheat shortages had previously been resolved through consultation and cooperation among political parties. Kundi reaffirmed that the Pakistan Peoples’ Party had always made sacrifices for the welfare of the people and would continue to raise its voice for the rights and development of the tribal districts.
Jirga Members Voice Concerns
Speaking on the occasion, members of the jirga said the people of Waziristan are facing severe hardships due to the deteriorating law and order situation, prolonged curfews, and security challenges, including the growing threat posed by quadcopters. They stated that peace is directly linked with development and urged the Governor, as the representative of the federation, to take up their concerns with the relevant authorities. The jirga members reaffirmed that the tribal people are patriotic citizens who have made immense sacrifices for the country and deserve urgent attention to their longstanding issues.
