Jirga nominations for RDCs in KP's merged districts near completion

-- Governor Kundi says nominees from all 12 districts have been selected through local consultations PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said on Friday that the process of nominating members of Regional Development Councils (RDCs) and area representatives in the province’s merged districts had entered its final stages, with nominees selected through jirgas in consultation with local communities.

In a post on X, the governor said representatives preferred by the people had been nominated in all 12 districts, taking into account local traditions and community consultations. He added that the names had been forwarded to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after completion of the process.

Kundi stressed that the voices, traditions and aspirations of residents of the merged districts must be given fundamental importance in decision-making. He said the representatives should enjoy the confidence and trust of the local population. Jirgas and consultative meetings were held in several tribal districts on Thursday to select RDC members and discuss local representation, public grievances and development priorities.

Meetings involving local elders, religious scholars and other stakeholders took place in Bajaur, Kurram, Bara, Khyber, Upper Dir and Lower Dir, while separate jirgas were held in Mohmand, Bannu and Waziristan. District administrations and relevant authorities facilitated the consultations, which also covered law and order and coordination with government institutions.

Local elders expressed confidence in the proposed administrative system and pledged cooperation in addressing public issues and promoting peace and stability. The councils are being established in 12 districts: Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, Upper South Waziristan, Lower South Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat and Bannu.

Under the arrangement, RDCs are intended to identify development projects according to local needs, propose solutions to public problems and improve coordination between communities and relevant administrative agencies. The selection process through jirgas is designed to incorporate tribal traditions and local consultation into the development and administrative framework.

The initiative follows the imposition of governor’s rule and emergency measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11. After President Asif Ali Zardari approved the move on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, executive authority was transferred from the provincial government to Governor Kundi.

The federal government also formed an 11-member advisory council to oversee provincial administrative affairs and directed the establishment of RDCs in the 12 designated districts. The government says the measures are intended to improve security, strengthen governance and accelerate development in areas affected by terrorism.

The councils are expected to provide local communities with a channel to communicate their concerns and development priorities to the authorities.