PESHAWAR, Jul 18 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has said that the tribal people have always defended Pakistan’s borders without any compensation, adding that the current law and order situation in the merged districts and the province is alarming. He emphasized that no outsider would come to resolve these issues and it was imperative for all stakeholders to work together for the restoration of peace and prosperity in the region.
The Governor expressed these views while addressing a grand tribal Jirga held at the Governor’s House on Friday, led by Dr. Alamzeb Mohmand. The Jirga was attended by tribal elders and youth from Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Kurram, North and South Waziristan, and former Frontier Regions, including prominent figures such as Malik Khan Marjan, Bismillah Khan, and Malik Naib Khan.
During the Jirga, tribal elders voiced concerns over the worsening security situation, lack of development, and issues following the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
They demanded the restoration of FATA’s previous status, saying the merger had not resolved their issues.
They also called for establishing cadet colleges and girls’ colleges in every district of the merged areas and demanded royalty from local mineral resources.
The elders further requested that the Governor arrange their meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani.
Governor Kundi reassured the participants that the Governor’s House belongs to the people of the province and reiterated his commitment to addressing their problems.
He promised to facilitate their meeting with the top PPP leadership so they could present their grievances directly.
“I will advocate your case at every forum with solid reasoning,” the Governor assured.
He stressed that true peace and development cannot be achieved without restoring public confidence, and urged tribal elders to play a role in guiding and empowering the youth.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring tribal representation in the federal committee tasked with reviving the Jirga system, so decisions are acceptable to the local population.
Governor Kundi affirmed that the Pakistan Peoples Party continues to fight for the rights of the merged districts, following the legacy of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who had established hospitals and educational institutions in tribal areas.
The event concluded with a collective prayer for peace, stability, and prosperity in the country.