Peshawar – Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday stressed the need for collective efforts to eliminate militancy from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying peace was essential for the development and prosperity of the province.
Talking to a delegation of the South Waziristan Lower Ahmadzai Wazir Jirga here at Governor House, led by Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Waziristan General Secretary Imran Mukhlis, Governor said the resurgence of militancy should be taken seriously and tackled with unity and determination. The delegation included Jamal Nasir, Nasrullah, Mir Ghulam and Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Farzand Wazir.
Governor Kundi said the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) was promised three percent share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, amounting to around Rs100 billion annually, and stressed that the commitment should be fulfilled.
He strongly condemned the imposition of taxes in the erstwhile FATA and PATA, saying the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman should personally visit these areas to assess the ground realities before enforcing any taxation measures.
The Governor criticized the provincial government’s performance on law and order, alleging that it had failed to address the deteriorating security situation. He said he had asked the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to jointly resolve the tax issues relating to the merged tribal districts.
He said despite producing electricity, oil and natural gas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continued to face energy shortages, adding that the province should receive its due rights under the Constitution. He also underscored the importance of protecting the 18th Constitutional Amendment and utilizing provincial powers for the welfare of the people.
Governor Kundi also expressed concern over the reported wheat shortage in the province and reiterated the need to collectively struggle for the constitutional and economic rights of the province. He assured the delegation that issues relating to district administration, the Gomal Zam Road and NADRA facilities would be taken up with the relevant authorities and resolved on priority.
Speaking on the occasion, members of the jirga highlighted worsening law and order, lack of security for schools and health facilities, rising incidents of extortion and the destruction of trade and fruit businesses in South Waziristan Lower. They urged the government to reopen the Angoor Ada border crossing, which has been remained closed since 2023, saying it would revive trade and economic activity in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and South Waziristan.
The delegation also demanded the establishment of a women’s hospital, tax relief for local residents, provision of free electricity, increase in teachers’ posts, construction of the Gomal Zam Road up to Angoor Ada, promotion of tourism in Waziristan, development of a picnic point at Gomal Zam and establishment of BISP and NADRA registration centres in every tehsil.
The jirga members also called to address the problems being faced by journalists associated with the Wana Press Club.
