DERA ISMAIL KHAN
\nKhyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday underlined the need for formation of a joint tribal jirga representing all the merged tribal districts to amicably and permanently resolve issues being faced by the people of these areas.
\nHe was addressing a ceremony organized in his honor 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.
\nThe 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.
\n\u201cYou 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,\u201d the governor said.
\nThe governor warned that continued neglect of the merged areas could have spillover effects on neighboring regions.
\nGovernor Kundi highlighted that while the draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) laws were abolished with the merger of FATA into KP, the fundamental issues remain unresolved.
\nHe 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, but to date, we have received nothing,\u201d he stated.
\nHe further claimed that Rs 700 billion meant for the tribal regions were transferred to the provincial government, but those funds never reached the intended recipients. \u201cWe must set aside political differences and form a united tribal jirga to negotiate with the state for our rights,\u201d he urged.
\nHe added that issues such as unemployment, lack of infrastructure, electricity shortages, and the absence of internet connectivity were severely hindering progress in the region.
\nHe informed that discussions regarding FATA development funds and compensation packages had already been initiated with the authorities concerned and would be resolved soon.
\nHe also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and address electricity problems in the tribal belt.
\nThe governor voiced concern over rising unemployment in the merged districts and underscored the importance of creating job opportunities for the youth.
\nHe emphasized that internet access, which has become vital in the modern world, remained a major gap in the tribal areas.
\nAbout Atta Muhammad\u2019s recovery, Governor Kundi said it was his duty to advocate for his release, adding \u201cI will continue to act as your representative and voice in times of need.\u201d
\nDuring the event, tribal elders honored Governor Kundi with a traditional turban and praised his commitment to tribal rights.
\nPPP Upper Waziristan District President Shamsur Rahman Mehsud and other elders presented a charter of demands to the governor regarding regional development, to which the governor assured full cooperation.
\nLater, 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.\u201d He added that the KP government was deliberately obstructing federal development projects.
\nHe cited alleged corruption in wheat procurement, health services, and municipal administrations, claiming that Rs 50 billion had been embezzled in a single district and transferred abroad.
\nHe added that the provincial government was blocking key federal initiatives, including the Chashma Lift Canal and the Dera Ismail Khan International Airport.
\nHowever, he assured that these projects would be launched soon despite resistance.
\nExpressing concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in KP, the governor criticized the provincial authorities for leaving the region vulnerable to terrorism.
\nHe voiced confidence in the Pakistan Armed Forces, stating, they had the capability to eliminate terrorism just as they taught lessons to India in just 78 hours.
\n\u201cWe want peace in the province, and our youth deserve the same opportunities and facilities as those in Islamabad and Karachi,\u201d he asserted.
\nHe added that, unlike the violent protests on May 9, the governor noted that the PPP\u2019s March 26 demonstration had remained peaceful and did not target military installations.
\nHe pledged full support for peace and development, promising to convey the concerns of tribal communities to federal authorities and ensure their inclusion in national progress.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
DERA ISMAIL KHAN Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday underlined the need for formation of a joint tribal jirga representing all the merged tribal districts to amicably and permanently resolve issues being faced by the people of these areas. He was addressing a ceremony organized in his honor by the Mehsud Jirga to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-483172","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-top-news"],"yoast_head":"\n