DLP Report
PESHAWAR
A grand jirga, organized by the district administration in collaboration with the youth of the Orakzai, held at Orakzai House on Peshawar Warsak Road on Thursday.
The jirga, chaired by Amir Nawaz, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Kurram District, focused on addressing the pressing issues faced by the residents of the area and finding solutions for lasting peace and restoration.
The meeting brought together local elders, youth, and government representatives who engaged in a candid discussion regarding the region’s challenges, particularly the aftermath of the Bagan attack.
During the gathering, representatives of the community, including Dr Abdul Qadir, Chairman of the Rehabilitation Welfare Organization Narowz Khan, and local leaders Afzal Khan and Alam Khan, voiced the concerns of the residents, stressing that the current situation has left many unable to return to their homes.
“The innocent people of the area are still under arrest, and it is imperative that they be released without delay,” Dr Qadir said. He further added that while a survey had been conducted for the martyrs and victims of the Bagan attack, many areas, particularly Mandori and Bagan Jod Kala, had not been surveyed, and their residents had not received adequate relief.
The community representatives also urged the authorities to expedite the distribution of relief packages, which, despite being ready for distribution, were still stored and at risk of being spoiled.
The participants also highlighted that the district administration and police had imposed an unnecessary ban on issuing police clearance certificates for the area’s residents, which was hindering their ability to seek employment opportunities. They requested that the ban be lifted immediately.
Furthermore, the youth raised concerns about the education system in the region. The schools in the area, especially those affected by the Bagan attack, had been completely destroyed, and with matriculation exams approaching, there were no suitable places for students to take their exams. The demand for immediate arrangements for the students’ exams and the establishment of new schools was emphasized by the local youth.
In addition to educational needs, the attendees also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of restoration efforts for key institutions like the Bagan NADRA office, the National Bank, Akhuwat Microfinance Bank, and the Education Office, all of which had been destroyed during the Bagan massacre.
Addressing the concerns, ADC Amir Nawaz acknowledged the significant challenges faced by the residents of Lower Kurram, especially in the Bagan area. He reassured the gathering that the government was actively working through jirgas to collect and address the community’s grievances.
“The government will soon start working on the issues and suggestions presented in this meeting. Jirgas like this will pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for Lower Kurram,” the ADC stated.
