PESHAWAR (Khyber Mail): Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, held a tribal grand Jirga at the Chief Minister’s House on Thursday. The event was attended by elected public representatives from all political parties of the merged districts, tribal elites, and senior government officials. The Jirga aimed to engage tribal elites in addressing the challenges faced by the merged districts, devising a comprehensive development plan, and ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
In his address, the Chief Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy to tackle the challenges faced by the people of the merged districts. He emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to overcome the decade-long deprivation of these areas, pledging his government’s commitment to providing basic facilities, employment opportunities, and promoting tourism and other potential sectors in the region. He also highlighted the importance of establishing lasting peace and law and order, recognizing the people as the government’s real strength.
The Chief Minister reiterated Imran Khan’s vision to integrate the erstwhile tribal districts into the national mainstream. He mentioned that the provincial government has prepared a comprehensive development program for the merged districts, allocating substantial funds for their rapid development. He also outlined measures to eradicate drugs, promote employment opportunities, and provide solar energy to industries in these areas. Despite the unfulfilled promises made at the time of the merger, the Chief Minister assured that his government is committed to bringing these areas on par with other developed regions. He stressed the importance of consulting tribal people in implementing this strategy and assured that all matters would be addressed in consultation with them.
In his concluding remarks, the Chief Minister noted that the commitment regarding the NFC share of the tribal districts has not been fulfilled. He mentioned that funds for the war on terror and infrastructure development are being provided. He highlighted the provincial government’s significant investment in strengthening policing in the merged areas and stressed the need for a clear timeframe and policy against terrorism. He emphasized the importance of taking the people into confidence regarding operations against terrorism and announced that he would soon convene a meeting of the provincial apex committee to finalize matters. Additionally, he declared that separate Jirgas for each merged district would be held after 15 days, where tribal elites should present viable proposals in consultation with their respective communities. The Chief Minister concluded by emphasizing the need for a collective approach and good intentions to address the issues sustainably, stating, “We need to move forward with a collective approach and good intentions to address the issues once and for all.”
The participants thanked the Chief Minister for his special interest in addressing their issues and for inviting elected public representatives from all political parties. They expressed hope that the consultative session would significantly contribute to the sustainable development of the merged districts and ensure their inclusion in the national mainstream. “The Chief Minister’s commitment to sustainable development, peace, and consultation sets a positive tone for the future of the merged areas,” they remarked.