Kundi slams K-P for 'diverting' tribal funds

DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasized the need for unity among the Pashtun community to overcome the challenges they face.

He called on all tribal groups to engage with the state with a united voice and urged the formation of a joint tribal Jirga to collectively plan for the future of the merged tribal districts.

He made these remarks on Monday while addressing a gathering organized by the Mehsud Jirga in Dera Ismail Khan, where he was the chief guest. The event was attended by elders from the Mehsud, Barki, and Bettani tribes of Upper South Waziristan.

The leaders of the Mehsud Jirga lauded Governor Kundi's efforts in securing the safe recovery of Atta Muhammad Mehsud, acknowledging his active role in the matter.

Speaking at the event, the governor said, "Advocating for your rights and contributing to the recovery of Atta Muhammad was my duty." He added that he had raised the issue of tribal rights with the prime minister, affirming that this was not about politics but about ensuring that the rights of the tribal people are upheld.

Governor Kundi criticized the provincial government for failing to fulfill its promise of providing Rs100 billion annually to the merged districts following their integration. He accused the provincial authorities of diverting Rs700 billion funds meant for the tribal areas.

He concluded by stating that the elimination of terrorism would bring lasting peace to the tribal regions and secure a brighter future for the youth. "All stakeholders must play a constructive role in establishing peace across the province," he said.