Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has declared that sustainable development and prosperity in the province are impossible without establishing lasting peace. The chief minister made this significant statement during a crucial meeting with tribal elders from Baizai area of Mohmand district.
Tribal Elders Pledge Support for Peace Efforts
The delegation of tribal elders expressed their strong support for Chief Minister Afridi, describing him as a source of pride for the entire tribal community. They emphasized that his appointment as the provincial chief represents a significant honor for all merged tribal districts. The elders reaffirmed their complete backing for Afridi's initiatives aimed at securing peace and protecting provincial rights.
In response, Chief Minister Afridi expressed gratitude for the tribal elders' unwavering support. He stressed that peace remains the most urgent challenge and top priority for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The chief minister highlighted that restoring stability is fundamental to achieving any meaningful progress in the region.
Grand Peace Jirga and Federal Commitments
Afridi revealed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Grand Peace Jirga has already been successfully convened at the provincial assembly. This important gathering saw all political parties and stakeholders issuing a unanimous declaration supporting peace initiatives across the province.
The chief minister also addressed financial concerns, noting that the federal government has yet to fulfill its commitment of providing one trillion rupees over ten years following the merger of tribal districts. Billions of rupees remain outstanding from this promised allocation, creating challenges for development projects in the merged areas.
Educational Development and Tribal Rights
Chief Minister Afridi assured that ongoing efforts continue to secure the rights of tribal districts. He announced concrete plans for educational development in the merged areas, including the establishment of universities, medical colleges, and nursing colleges. This educational infrastructure development represents a crucial step toward improving opportunities for tribal communities.
The meeting concluded with mutual understanding and commitment to work together for achieving peace and development across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the tribal regions that have long awaited comprehensive development initiatives.