Islamabad: Two separate high profile meetings on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa took place on Thursday, since the prime minister and prime minister met with separate interested parties to discuss the problems faced by the province, especially the fused tribal areas.
After KP’s Prime Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur directed a multiparty conference, which was attended by the leaders of Jamat-I-Islami, the Qaumi Watan party, Jui-S, PML-N and PTI-Parliationary, a delegation of tribal leaders also met with the first minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The meeting between the prime minister and the tribal elders also attended Jui-F Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the governor of KP Faisal Karim Kundi.
“The meeting aimed to counteract the increase in terrorism with the help of tribal elders,” said a meeting participant Sunrise under condition of anonymity.
To meet with Jirga, Premier restores the admission fee of former students
The prime minister announced a series of incentives for fused tribal areas, but the meeting categorically ruled out the reversal of the fusion of the old Fata with KP.
During the meeting, the Federal Minister of Affairs of Safrron and Kashmir, Amir Muqam, reiterated that the federal government had no intention of reversing the merger or altering the existing constitutional agreement.
It is important to keep in mind that tribal elders have expressed complaints about fusion and Mr. Rehman, the Jui-F leader, had called “a big mistake.”
Muqam, who directs the committee to relive the Jirga system in tribal areas, said the body will make recommendations within the existing constitutional framework on matters related to justice, development and security.
“There is no plan to retire [the merger] or amend the Constitution, ”Muqam told Jirga members who had expressed concern about the committee’s mandate.
The prime minister also assured the tribal elders that the tors of the committee will improve and will be given representation in it.
“The committee will now include the representation of tribal elders to ensure inclusive decision making,” said a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s office.
Admission fee
The prime minister also announced that the admission fee for students of tribal areas in federal government universities will be restored.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the courts have made “immense sacrifices for Pakistan’s peace and security.”
He reaffirmed that guaranteeing the law and order in the merged areas were among the main priorities of the government.
The prime minister paid tribute to the Armed Forces, the Police and other police personnel for their courage in the fight against terrorism, and urged unity between all communities.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to the socioeconomic elevation of the region, the prime minister said that his government was strongly investing in education, medical care, training of skills and employment opportunities for the young people of the merged districts.
He said that substantial funds have been assigned to improve infrastructure, including the University of Fata and the Police.
The prime minister directed an expansion in the scope of the Federal Committee that works on the issues of the fused districts, chaired by the Federal Minister of Cashmir and Gilgitan-Baltistan Amir Muqam Affairs.
The tribal delegation appreciated the restoration of educational fees, inclusion in the Federal Committee and General Development Initiatives.
The prime minister assured the participants that such advisory sessions would remain regularly to ensure that the voices of tribal people are heard and that their problems are addressed effectively.
Meeting with Gilani
Previously, the tribal jirga of 90 members, led by Governor Kundi, met with the president of Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.
The Jirga included prominent tribal elders, including Dr. Alamzeb Mohmand, Malik Khan Marjan Wazir and Bismillah Khan Afridi.
Gilani said that the cooperation of tribal elders was vital to achieve lasting peace.
He announced that the problems of the fused districts will be discussed in the Senate to formulate a clear and integral national policy.
Governor Kundi stressed that the fused districts secured a three percent participation in the NFC award under the accelerated implementation program.
However, the commitment has not been completely implemented and the federal government has often assigned lower amounts than originally promised.
With additional information from the application
Posted in Dawn, July 25, 2025
