Jirga meets governor over post-merger grievances

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi met with a tribal Jirga led by former MNA Hameedullah Jan at the Governor House on Friday. During the meeting, the Jirga apprised the governor of the growing unrest and challenges facing tribal communities following the merger of the former FATA regions into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Members of the Jirga expressed strong concerns over the imposition of taxes on the merged districts, particularly criticizing the 10 per cent tax on industries as an unjust and oppressive move. The tribal elders also highlighted the continued non-payment of compensation to those displaced during military operations in areas such as Bara. In response, Governor affirmed that all promises made to the tribal population during the merger must be fully honored.

"I am advocating for the tribal people at every forum and have consistently stressed the need to address their post-merger deprivations," he stated. The governor added that recommendations from tribal elders would be included in the steering committee for development projects in the former FATA, emphasizing respect for local input and the need for unity to resolve provincial challenges.