Commission to oversee gas royalty in Waziristan

Body will ensure fair distribution of development funds through royalties

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur has ordered a Provincial Joint Commission to oversee the newly discovered petroleum and gas reserves in North Waziristan tribal district, prioritizing fair distribution of development funds through royalties and safeguarding local rights, a significant initiative for the region.

The Chief Minister Secretariat has issued a formal declaration in this regard. According to the announcement, the 13-member commission includes Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, MNA Mufti Misbahuddin, MPA Nik Muhammad Khan, and MPA Muhammad Iqbal. Other members of the commission include Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Secretary of Energy and Power, Additional Secretary Ministry of Petroleum Islamabad, officials of Mari Petroleum Company and Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited, RPO Bannu and representatives of 11 Corps.

The Commissioner will serve both as a member and convener of the commission. The commission aims to develop a comprehensive long-term policy that maximizes the benefits of the discovered natural resources for the country, region, and local population.

To achieve this, the commission will facilitate collaborative communication and coordination between local communities, provincial and federal governments, and other partner institutions.

The commission is committed to safeguarding the rights of the local population, aligning with government policies, and ensuring the supply of gas from Shewa to Daud Khel through collaborative efforts with local elders.

The Chief Minister is establishing a comprehensive, three-tier advisory system, comprising district and tehsil-level committees. Members of these committees will be selected in collaboration with local elders and elected public representatives.

Ultimately, the Provincial Joint Commission will consult with these district and tehsil-level committees to finalize long-term agreements.

The Chief Minister has reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to distributing benefits from North Waziristan's newly discovered natural resources and development funds in line with public expectations. To achieve this, a provincial joint commission and district and tehsil-level committees are being formed.

He further said that this three-tiered consultative framework will ensure the protection of the rights of the local population in the income derived from these natural resources and regional welfare and will formulate a long-term policy that will ensure regional development and stability and provide employment to the local people.