K-P CM tells cabinet to make ex-FATA merger top agenda

Mahmood Khan directs departments to focus on steps needed to bring merged districts in national mainstream

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed provincial cabinet to meet fortnightly placing matters relating to merger of erstwhile Fata at top of the agenda list.

Chairing a special meeting of the cabinet on Wednesday, he said that first agenda of every cabinet meeting would be matters about merger of tribal districts directing all the departments to focus on measures needed to bring merged districts in national mainstream for development and progress, an official statement read.

The meeting among others was attended by provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, chief secretary, secretaries, IGP and officials of concerned departments. “We should set a target aiming relief of people residing in merged areas and furnish them roadmap for a positive change in life”, he said adding a progress in this regard would be assessed in every cabinet meeting.

Participants of the meeting thoroughly discussed implementation of the decisions taken in previous meeting of cabinet besides matters in wake of merger. Meeting was also briefed about the ten-year development plan of merged districts.

Participants were informed that plan has been prepared to apprise tribal people about the headways of government about development of merged areas.

Speaking on the occasion, K-P CM directed provincial departments to expedite pace of merger and initiating steps for inducing development and progress in these areas. He said that the matter should not be taken casually as the government is determined to bring positive change in lives of merged district’s citizenry.

He said that government wants that effects of government’s decision about merger should reflect in the lives of tribesmen. It was decided all the reservations of the tribal people would be addressed and they would be properly contacted and informed about the decisions of government regarding merger. It was said that dialogue with tribal people would be initiated from northern districts including Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber and others.

Chief Minister Mahmood directed to accelerate process of dialogue while taking the provincial ministers on board and said that they would soon be provided with schedule for the purpose. CM said that the services of Levies and Khasadars were being given protection by introducing an ordinance. He also sought progress of formulating rules under the new laws of the government and establishment of new departments.

Mehmood Khan also directed ministers to review the progress made on the decisions of cabinet to increase efficiency and productivity of concerned departments.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2019.