K-P Governor Says Nomination of Regional Development Council Members in Final Stages
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Friday that the nomination of Regional Development Council (RDC) members and area representatives in the merged districts had entered its final stages. The K-P Regional Development Council process is being carried out through jirgas, in consultation with the local population and in line with local traditions.
In a post on X, Kundi said that in all 12 districts, representatives preferred by the public had been nominated through jirgas. He added that the names of the nominated members had been sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once all stages were completed.
Jirgas underway across the tribal districts
On Thursday, a series of jirgas was underway in the tribal districts to select RDC members and set up local representation. Consultative meetings were held with local elders, scholars and stakeholders in Bajaur, Kurram, Bara, Khyber, Upper Dir and Lower Dir to discuss the role of the RDC, local representation, public issues and development needs.
A day earlier, jirgas had been held in Mohmand, Bannu and Waziristan with elders and scholars, covering the new administrative system, local representation, the law and order situation and development needs. The selection of RDC representatives in the remaining districts is expected to be completed over the next two days.
Under the plan, local people will select councils in 12 districts: Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, South Waziristan Upper, South Waziristan Lower, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat and Bannu. District administrations and relevant authorities assisted in setting up the RDCs and resolving public issues through consultation with local elders.
What the councils will do
The councils are meant to give effective representation to people in the tribal districts by linking local traditions and community consultation with the administrative and development process. The RDC will identify development projects according to local needs, propose solutions to public problems and improve coordination with administrative agencies.
Kundi said the voice, traditions and aspirations of the local population of the merged districts should be given fundamental importance in decisions affecting them. Local elders expressed confidence in the new administrative system and pledged to keep cooperating with government institutions on public issues and lasting peace.
A new administrative arrangement after governor’s rule
The arrangement follows the federal government’s decision on October 11 to impose governor’s rule and emergency measures in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. With the president’s approval, on the advice of the prime minister, executive authority moved from the provincial government to Governor Kundi. The federal government also formed an 11-member advisory council to oversee provincial administrative affairs and ordered the creation of the RDCs in the 12 designated districts.
Since the takeover, the governor has moved quickly on several fronts. He has announced an amended welfare scheme for police officers and martyrs’ families and a salary and welfare package for the K-P police force. Security forces have also intensified operations against militant networks, including this week’s joint operations in Balochistan.
The government says the measures aim to improve security, strengthen governance and speed up development in areas affected by terrorism. The RDC is intended to give communities a channel to communicate their concerns and development priorities to the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Regional Development Council?
The RDC is a local body being set up in 12 merged districts of K-P to give people representation in development decisions. It will identify development projects according to local needs and propose solutions to public problems.
How are members being selected?
Members are being selected through jirgas, taking into account the wishes of the local population, tribal traditions and mutual consultation. The governor said representatives preferred by the public were nominated in all 12 districts.
Which districts are covered?
Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, South Waziristan Upper, South Waziristan Lower, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat and Bannu.
What happens after nominations are complete?
The governor said the names of the nominated members were being sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after the completion of all stages.
Source: The Express Tribune
