PESHAWAR: A joint delegation of tribal elders from the Northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s merged districts called on Governor Haji Ghulam Ali at the Governor’s House on Friday. During the meeting, the joint delegation representing Kurram, South Waziristan, Orakzai, and North Waziristan districts discussed the various political security and development challenges faced by the local residents in detail.
The delegation informed the Governor that due to the creation of new constituencies, six seats in the National Assembly and eight seats in the Senate have been eliminated for the merged districts. They pointed out that the new delimitations have led to the abolishment of National Assembly Constituencies in Orakzai and South Waziristan, which is a matter of significant concern for the tribal people.
Tribal Elders Demand Funds
Furthermore, the delegation expressed serious concerns about the reduction of seats in the National Assembly for the merged districts and highlighted that the annual development funds of 100 billion rupees have not been released as promised. Additionally, they emphasized that after the local elections, funds, offices, and other essential facilities have not been provided to the elected representatives of the merged districts.
The delegation conveyed its view that instead of experiencing benefits after the merger, the tribal people have been facing losses and difficulties. They appealed to Governor KP to advocate for a reconsideration of the delimitation of tribal districts and to raise the matter with the Prime Minister and the federal government regarding the non-disbursement of local government funds and the lack of essential facilities.
Governor Haji Ghulam Ali assured the delegation that he is well aware of the challenges and deprivations faced by the people of the merged districts. He acknowledged the loyalty of the tribal people to the state and their steadfast support for national institutions. He promised to convey the grievances of the tribal people regarding the reduction of seats to the relevant authorities.
Haji Ghulam Ali also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development of merged districts and improving the standard of living for the tribal people, emphasizing that it remains a top priority.
