Islamabad, July 24, 2025: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the economic development of the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the welfare of their people.
Speaking to a delegation of tribal elders led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at the Prime Minister’s House, the prime minister assured that all possible steps were being taken to improve public order and accelerate development in the region.
During the meeting, the prime minister announced the restoration of the quota for students from the merged districts in medical and engineering universities—a move warmly welcomed by the tribal representatives.
“I am very happy to host the tribal elders at the Prime Minister House today,” Shehbaz Sharif said. “You belong to areas that are the guardians of Pakistan’s rich history and traditions. The tribes have always rendered unmatched sacrifices for the peace and security of our country.”
He stressed that restoring peace and strengthening law and order in the merged districts was a top priority of his government. “Our security forces, police, and law enforcement agencies continue to embrace martyrdom in the fight against terrorism. Their sacrifices will not go in vain.”
The premier underlined the importance of joint efforts by leaders from all schools of thought to turn Pakistan into a cradle of peace.
“Providing equal opportunities in education, healthcare, employment, and skill development to the youth of the merged tribal districts is central to our development agenda,” he said.
He noted that the federal government had earmarked substantial funds in the current year’s development budget for improving FATA University and strengthening the police infrastructure in the merged areas.
To address the challenges of the region more effectively, the prime minister directed the expansion of the federal committee under Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam. The committee will now include greater representation from the tribal elders.
The visiting delegation welcomed the move, expressing appreciation for the restoration of quotas and the government’s inclusive approach to policy-making. They also lauded the Pakistan Army’s resolute response during recent tensions with India, praising its “courageous and strategic handling” of the situation.
The jirga ended with an agreement to hold more consultative sessions in the future to address the socio-economic challenges of the merged districts.
The meeting was attended by key federal ministers including Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazir Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Sardar Owais Ahmed Leghari, and Bilal Azhar Kayani, along with Governor KP Faisal Karim Kundi and other senior government officials and advisors.
