Waziristan elders seek swift payout

PESHAWAR:

A high-level jirga of elders and representatives from North Waziristan's merged district met with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi at the Governor's House on Friday to press for urgent resolution of longstanding grievances stemming from anti-terrorism operations and the region's integration into the province.

Led by Malik Khan Marjan Wazir, the delegation included a large number of maliks, landowners, and influential figures from the Wazir and Dawar tribes, among other tribal communities. The group briefed the governor on the hardships faced by families affected by military operations against terrorists in North Waziristan.

Key demands centered on the timely payment of compensation to victims whose homes, properties, and livelihoods were damaged or destroyed during security operations. The jirga members appealed to the governor to intervene personally with relevant authorities to ensure swift disbursement of these funds and to deliver justice to the impacted households.

Participants also voiced deep concerns over deteriorating law and order in the merged districts, severe shortages in basic infrastructure, inadequate healthcare services, and limited access to quality education. They expressed reservations about the overall implementation of the FATA merger process, which integrated the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in 2018, arguing that promised reforms and development have fallen short.

Governor Kundi listened attentively to the delegation's concerns and assured them that addressing the issues of the merged districts remains one of his top priorities. He pledged not to disappoint the tribal people and committed to raising their matters with concerned officials for prompt action.

The governor described the security situation across the province, including the merged areas, as worrisome and stressed that peace, stability, and development require collective efforts from all stakeholders. He paid tribute to the immense sacrifices made by the people of the tribal districts in defending national borders and upholding the country's honor, noting that the entire nation respects and values these contributions.

Additionally, Governor Kundi emphasized special measures for the welfare and financial support of disabled individuals in Waziristan, vowing that every possible step would be taken to improve their lives.

The meeting underscores ongoing tensions in country's formerly tribal regions, where communities continue to seek greater government attention to compensation, security, and infrastructure amid persistent militancy threats. Tribal leaders have repeatedly called for accelerated development and fair resource allocation to fulfill the merger's promises of mainstream integration and prosperity.