CM says govt committed to developing tribal districts

PESHAWAR: Outlining a comprehensive strategy to address the challenges faced by the people of merged districts, Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Thursday said that the PTI government would go all out to provide basic facilities, employment opportunities and promote tourism and other potential sectors in the region.

He was speaking at a tribal grand jirga at Chief Minister’s House, which was attended by elected public representatives from all political parties of the merged districts, tribal elites, and higher government officials, said a handout.

The chief minister also stressed the importance of establishing lasting peace and law and order, acknowledging the people as the government’s real strength in this regard.

He reiterated the vision of Imran Khan to develop erstwhile tribal districts by including them in the national stream and said that the incumbent provincial government had prepared a comprehensive development programme for the merged districts, allocating ample funds for their speedy development.

The highlighted the measures to eradicate drugs, promote employment opportunities, and provide solar energy to industries in the merged districts.He said that unfortunately, promises made to the people of merged areas at the time of merger have not been fulfilled. However, despite the multiple challenges, his government in the province was committed to taking all possible steps to bring these areas on a par with other developed regions. He underlined the importance of consulting tribal people in implementing this strategy and assured that all matters would be taken forward in consultation with them.

The chief minister said that the commitment made regarding the NFC share of the tribal districts had not been fulfilled. Funds for the war on terror and infrastructure development are being provided, he said, and informed about the provincial government’s significant investment in strengthening policing in the merged areas.

He stressed the importance of determining a clear timeframe and policy against terrorism, and emphasized the need to take the people into confidence regarding operations against terrorists. To this end, the chief minister announced that he would soon convene a meeting of the provincial Apex Committee to finalize the 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.