Peace and development must go together in merged districts, says Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR, Jul 06 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday said that lasting peace in the merged districts, particularly Waziristan, was inseparable from sustainable development, assuring tribal elders that he would take their concerns to the highest authorities.

Talking to a North Waziristan jirga led by Noor Rehman Dawar at the Governor House, the Governor said Waziristan is his own area and reiterated that the Governor House would always remain open to the people of the tribal districts.

He said the people of the erstwhile FATA had rendered unparalleled sacrifices for the country and deserved lasting peace, development and improved public services.

The Governor stressed to address the issues of the merged districts through consultation and consensus, saying only collective efforts could pave the way for mega development projects in the region.

Referring to the constitutional merger of the tribal districts, Kundi said all powers had been transferred to the provincial government, urging the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to effectively utilize the development funds allocated for the merged areas.

He said the annual Rs100 billion allocation and the three percent share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award should be spent transparently for the welfare of the tribal population, adding that funds meant for the merged districts should not be diverted elsewhere.

The Governor also called for addressing issues relating to taxes in the former FATA and PATA regions, high electricity tariffs, and the construction of dams to ensure affordable energy and water security.

Highlighting the economic potential of the province, Kundi said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was rich in minerals, oil, gas and tourism resources, but these sectors required 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, saying enhanced trade would create employment opportunities and contribute to regional stability.

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 said 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.

Speaking on the occasion, members of the jirga said the people of Waziristan were facing severe hardships due to the deteriorating law and order situation, prolonged curfews and security challenges, including the growing threat posed by quadcopters.

They said peace was 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 were patriotic citizens who had made immense sacrifices for the country and deserved urgent attention to their longstanding issues.