Governor wants tribal jirga to resolve merged districts issues

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday emphasized the need for the formation of a joint tribal jirga representing all the merged tribal districts to resolve amicably and permanently the issues faced by the people of these areas.

He was addressing a ceremony organized in his honour by the Mehsud Jirga to express gratitude for the safe recovery of Atta Muhammad Mehsud, a youth from the Mehsud tribe who had gone missing in Sindh and was later recovered due to the efforts of the governor.

The governor urged tribal leaders to ensure unity for resolving their problems, as only the people of the merged districts themselves could effectively present their case to the federal government and other relevant forums.

“You should put your heads together and form a joint jirga to provide a prosperous future to your youngsters, as no one else would come from outside to resolve your problems,” the governor said.

He warned that continued neglect of the merged areas could have spillover effects on neighboring regions. The governor said that while the draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) laws were abolished with the merger of Fata into KP, the fundamental issues remain unresolved.

He said the state had promised to provide Rs 100 billion annually to the merged districts, and the Sartaj Aziz Commission recommended allocating 3 percent of the NFC share. Still, to date, we have received nothing,” he stated.

The governor said that Rs 700 billion meant for the tribal regions were transferred to the provincial government, but those funds never reached the intended recipients. “We must set aside political differences and form a united tribal jirga to negotiate with the state for our rights,” he urged.

Kundi added that issues such as unemployment, lack of infrastructure, electricity shortages, and the absence of internet connectivity were severely hindering progress in the region.He said that discussions on Fata development funds and compensation packages had already been initiated with the authorities concerned and would be resolved soon.

The governor highlighted ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and address electricity problems in the tribal belt. He voiced concern over rising unemployment in the merged districts and underscored the importance of creating job opportunities for the youth.

Kundi emphasized that internet access, which has become vital in the modern world, remains a major gap in the tribal areas.About Atta Muhammad’s recovery, Governor Kundi said it was his duty to advocate for his release, adding, “I will continue to act as your representative and voice in times of need.”

During the event, tribal elders presented the governor with a traditional turban and praised his commitment to tribal rights.Pakistan Peoples Party South Waziristan Upper President Shamsur Rahman Mehsud and other elders presented a charter of demands to the governor about the regional development, to which the governor assured full cooperation.

Later, talking to media persons, the governor raised concern over the law and order situation in KP, saying that the province was under the control of corrupt elements.” He added that the KP government was deliberately obstructing federal development projects.

He cited alleged corruption in wheat procurement, health services, and municipal administrations, alleging that Rs 50 billion had been embezzled in a single district and transferred abroad.

The governor alleged that the provincial government was blocking key federal initiatives, including the Chashma Lift Canal and the Dera Ismail Khan International Airport. However, he assured that these projects would be launched soon despite resistance.