PESHAWAR:
A high-level delegation from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, led by Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, visited Miran Shah in North Waziristan and Bannu on Monday to assess the security situation and review development efforts in the region.
The visit was undertaken on the special directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and included key officials such as Provincial Minister Pakhtun Yar, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed.
During the visit, civil and military officials provided a detailed briefing on the prevailing security environment in North Waziristan. The delegation paid tribute at the Martyrs’ Monument and offered prayers for the fallen. A guard of honour was also presented by local police.
The delegation held extensive discussions with local tribal elders, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in sustaining peace. “Tribal leaders and local communities are vital partners in ensuring long-term stability,” Barrister Saif said, adding that the government is actively engaging local populations in the peace process.
He reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to restoring peace and promoting development in the merged districts, noting that substantial funding has been allocated for this purpose.
“Sustainable development is not possible without peace,” he remarked.
Saif also acknowledged the historical neglect of the merged districts and stressed that the current administration is focused on addressing these long-standing grievances. “The ultimate goal is to bring these areas on a par with the rest of the province,” he stated, urging youth and community elders to play an active role in maintaining peace.
The delegation was also briefed on key development priorities, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for the youth.
Following their visit to North Waziristan, the delegation proceeded to Bannu, where they received briefings from the Commissioner and senior police officials. Meetings were held with tribal elders and public representatives, including former Senator Baz Muhammad and MPA Adnan Khan, to discuss local challenges and grievances.
Barrister Saif assured the community that their concerns would be addressed at the highest level. He noted that the chief minister had previously visited Bannu and that this follow-up visit reflected the government’s resolve to address public issues at the grassroots level.
