Baizai Elders Confer with KP Chief Minister on Critical Tribal Issues
A significant delegation of tribal elders from Baizai in Mohmand district held a crucial meeting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi at the Chief Minister House in Peshawar on Tuesday. The discussions centered on the pressing administrative, law and order, and development challenges facing the merged tribal districts.
Renewed Hope and a Commitment to Support
The delegation warmly congratulated Chief Minister Afridi on his new role, emphasizing that his appointment from the merged areas is a moment of immense pride for the entire province. They stated that this historic development has ignited a renewed sense of hope within their communities. The elders firmly reaffirmed their commitment to stand with the provincial government in its mission to ensure peace, secure provincial rights, and achieve sustained development across the tribal belt.
Peace as the Foremost Priority and Federal Financial Delays
In his response, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed gratitude for the elders' trust and support. He underscored that restoring peace is the absolute top priority of his administration, stating that without stability, no meaningful development or prosperity is possible. He pointed to the recent Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Grand Peace Jirga as a landmark achievement, where political parties and stakeholders united to issue a unanimous declaration, providing a solid foundation for the government's peace strategy.
Shifting to financial concerns, CM Afridi voiced serious apprehension over the federal government's delay in disbursing the committed Rs 1 trillion for the merged districts over ten years. He revealed that a staggering Rs 550 billion remains outstanding, a situation that places severe strain on the province's finances. He assured the elders that his government is actively pursuing this matter with federal authorities and will not compromise on the constitutional rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Focus on Education and Social Welfare
Detailing his government's development agenda, the Chief Minister outlined sincere efforts to bolster infrastructure in key sectors like education and health. He made a major announcement, revealing plans to establish a university, along with medical and nursing colleges in the region to provide greater access to higher education and professional training for tribal youth. He added that welfare schemes and scholarship programs are being specifically tailored to benefit the merged districts and other underdeveloped regions, aiming to bridge long-standing disparities and create opportunities for disadvantaged communities.
