Development of erstwhile Fata top priority, says CM Sohail Afridi

A delegation of elders from Baizai, District Mohmand, called on Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Sohail Afridi at the Chief Minister house and discussed administrative challenges, law & order challenges and development priorities of the merged districts.
The delegation congratulated the Chief Minister on assuming office further stating that the appointment of a Chief Minister from the merged districts is a source of pride for the entire province and has generated renewed hope among their communities.
The elders reaffirmed their commitment to support the provincial government in its efforts for peace, provincial rights, and sustained development in the tribal belt.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi thanked the delegates for their confidence and continued support, noting that the sincerity and resolve of the tribal people remain one of the province’s greatest strengths.
He underscored that restoring peace remains the foremost priority of his administration, adding that no development or prosperity is possible without peace & stability.
Referring to recent initiatives, he highlighted the successful convening of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Grand Peace Jirga at the Provincial Assembly, where political parties and stakeholders set aside differences to issue a unanimous declaration.
The Chief Minister said the consensus emerging from the jirga provides a robust foundation for the provincial government’s broader peace strategy.
Speaking on financial matters, Sohail Afridi expressed concern over the federal government’s delay in fulfilling commitments made at the time of the merger.
He recalled that the federal government had pledged one trillion rupees over ten years for the newly merged districts, of which over 550 billion still remain outstanding, placing additional strain on provincial finances.
The Chief Minister stressed that his government continues to pursue these matters with the federal authorities and will not compromise on the constitutional and legitimate rights of the Province under any circumstances.
Sohail Afridi told the delegation that the provincial government is undertaking sincere efforts to strengthen the education, health, and social service infrastructure in the merged districts.
He announced that a university, along with medical and nursing colleges, will be established to expand access to higher education and professional training for tribal youth.
He said the government’s welfare schemes and scholarship programs are being designed with special focus on the merged districts and other underdeveloped regions, with the aim of reducing long-standing disparities and improving opportunities for disadvantaged