PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Commitment to Economic Revival of Merged Tribal Districts in KP

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to the economic development and social welfare of the merged tribal districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He emphasized that efforts are underway to address the long-standing needs of the region through targeted development initiatives.

Speaking to a delegation of tribal elders led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), the prime minister hosted a consultative jirga at the Prime Minister’s House to discuss pressing concerns including law and order, infrastructure development, and public welfare in the formerly FATA-merged areas.

In a key development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the restoration of education quotas for students from the merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities across the country.

“Providing equal access to quality education, healthcare, skills development, and employment opportunities to the youth of these regions is a top priority for the federal government,” said the premier.

The tribal elders welcomed the move, expressing appreciation for the government’s efforts in acknowledging their educational needs.

Prime Minister Shehbaz paid tribute to the tribal population, calling them custodians of Pakistan’s cultural heritage and recognizing their historic sacrifices for national peace and security.

He stressed that the restoration of law and order in the merged districts is essential, especially as security forces continue to sacrifice their lives in the fight against terrorism.

He further revealed that significant funding has been earmarked in the 2025–26 federal development budget to support initiatives like FATA University improvements and policing infrastructure in the merged districts.

The Prime Minister also directed the expansion of the committee on merged districts, chaired by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs & GB Engineer Amir Muqam, to include tribal elders, ensuring grassroots representation.

> “Inclusion of local voices is key to building trust and achieving lasting development,” he said.

In light of regional tensions and internal security dynamics, the prime minister urged leaders from all religious and political backgrounds to unite in building a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.

“Pakistan’s stability depends on inclusive policies, meaningful dialogue, and collective leadership,” he stated.

The tribal elders also commended the Pakistan Army’s strategic response during recent conflicts with India, highlighting the unity of the nation in the face of external threats.

The high-level meeting was attended by federal ministers including Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazir Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Sardar Owais Leghari, Ahad Khan Cheema, Engineer Amir Muqam, Governor KP Faisal Karim Kundi, and other senior advisors and government officials.

The prime minister concluded the meeting by promising continued consultative sessions with tribal leaders to ensure long-term peace, progress, and integration of the merged districts into Pakistan’s development agenda.