LAKKI MARWAT
After years of neglect, Lakki Marwat district has been put on the road to transformation and development due to recent reforms and projects launched by the Government to restore peace and security besides expedite pace of development.
The Commissioner Bannu region Khalid Mahmood who is a senior official with battle-tested experiences from erstwhile FATA is spearheading a bold initiative to restore peace, security, and development in this once long-overlooked Lakki Marwat region.
In a powerful display of solidarity and shared purpose, the Commander 55 Brigade, Lakki Marwat, arranged a grand jirga on Thursday at the Lakki Marwat Jirga Hall, bringing together top civil and military officials to discuss pressing challenges and chart a path toward peace and progress in the region.
The event saw the participation of key figures including Major General Mudassar (GOC 40 Division), Commissioner Khalid Mahmood of Bannu, Deputy Commissioner Lakki Marwat Hameedullah Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan, Commander 55 Brigadier Ali Haider, District Police Officer Nazir Khan, and leaders from various line departments.
The participants appreciated the joint efforts put by law enforcement agencies, police and all other line departments, under the umbrella of Divisional and District Administration with main focus on bringing together all key stakeholders on a single platform to resolve disputes and build consensus.
While addressing the participants, Commissioner Bannu, Khalid Mehmood emphasized using the Pashtoon cultural mechanism to develop indigenous solutions for Lakki Marwat’s persistent law and order challenges, which have long hindered the district’s development. Referring to the presence of stakeholders from civil society, the administration, military, and police, the Commissioner said that it is truly encouraging to see all of the relevant authorities and stakeholders under one roof, putting heads together to resolve Lakki Marwat’s issues once and for all.
He highlighted the key role played by all departments and stakeholders, under the umbrella of district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Hameedullah Khan, in translating these efforts into actions.
He said that Marwat is nestled at the edge of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and historically overshadowed by conflict and underdevelopment is once again grappling with rising law and order concerns.
But this time, he said the response is not just about checkpoints and crackdowns rather its about listening, inclusion, and rebuilding trust. Commissioner Khalid Mahmood highlighted the exemplary cooperation between civil authorities and law enforcement agencies, stressing the need for continued harmony, support and collaboration to achieve desired results.
He urged all line departments to work with dedication and sincerity, offering his full support to ensure effective service delivery and community welfare around the clock.
Major General Mudassar provided a candid overview of the security environment, recognizing the internal and external threats confronting the area. He expressed confidence in the resilience and professionalism of both civil and military formations.
“It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, a task that requires collective effort and public cooperation,” he said.
He called on all departments to strengthen coordination and work hand in hand to enhance public service delivery.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Ali Haider welcomed the distinguished guests, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts between civil administration and security forces to address the region’s complex challenges.
He assured all out efforts would be provided to the administration for architecting a bright future for Lakki Marwat through such effective and viable strategies which he hoped would address root causes of the law and order situation through development initiatives.
Regional Police Officer Bannu division, Sajjad Khan also addressed the Jirga acknowledged the difficulties faced by the region but praised the combined efforts of the district administration, provincial government, and local communities.
“Despite the obstacles, our forces have performed exceptionally well, and together, we remain committed to fostering lasting peace and prosperity,” he affirmed.
The jirga concluded with a communal lunch and prayers for peace across the nation, reinforcing the shared commitment of all stakeholders to work toward a secure and prosperous future for Lakki Marwat.
This gathering underscored the critical role of unity and cooperation in overcoming challenges and building a foundation for sustainable development. As the region navigates its path forward, such platforms serve as vital forums for dialogue, trust-building, and collective action.
Under the leadership of DC Hameedullah, assistant commissioners have taken to the field with renewed vigor, signaling a decisive break from bureaucratic inertia.
A cornerstone of this transformation is the strict “carrot and stick” policy aimed at reviving faltering departments.
At a recent Health Steering Committee meeting, DC Hameedullah zeroed in on one of the most crippling issues ie the rampant presence of alleged proxy staff in health facilities. Immediate investigations and strict monitoring protocols have been launched, including a pioneering geo-mapping project to digitally track health workers’ attendance and deployment in real time.
“This is accountability in action,” said a senior health official, “For the first time, we are seeing leadership that demands real results, not excuses.”
