Sunday, Jan 18, 2026 | 28 Rajab 1447
Sunday, Jan 18, 2026 | 28 Rajab 1447
High-level Jirgas comprising parliamentarians and tribal elders from Bajaur and Kurram districts have pledged full support to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi in his efforts to restore peace across the province.
During the session held in Bajaur on Sunday, the chief minister announced a significant increase in relief funds for houses partially damaged during recent operations, raising the compensation from 160,000 to 500,000 rupees.
The Jirga expressed complete confidence in the KP chief minister’s leadership while discussing the regional law and order situation, Pak-Afghan relations, and a long-term development strategy for the area. Participants also offered specific recommendations for achieving permanent stability in the merged districts.
READ MORE: Our struggle is for a ‘true freedom’: Afridi
Addressing the gathering, CM Afridi emphasised that sustainable peace can only be achieved through transparent decision-making that includes tribal elders and the provincial government. He criticised “closed-door decisions” for historically worsening security conditions and vowed that his administration would not be part of any “failed policies.”
He highlighted a severe financial shortfall from the federal government, noting that while 100 billion rupees annually was promised during the FATA merger, only 168 billion rupees has been released over the past seven years. He asserted that the federation still owes the province 532 billion rupees and is currently withholding funds under the Accelerated Implementation Programme (AIP).
In a bid to support the youth and local infrastructure, the chief minister issued several key directives, including the upper age limit for police recruitment in merged districts will be increased to provide more opportunities for local residents.
Authorities have been ordered to expedite the processing of the Bajaur martyrs’ package. He directed to provide security for tribal elders, who play a vital role in national development and peace-building.
The provincial government will prioritise the improvement of schools and hospitals under the “Roshan Qabail Package,” he added.
Afridi concluded the meeting by paying tribute to the sacrifices made by the public, police, and security forces, noting that while peace had been largely restored by 2018, deliberate attempts are now being made to destabilise the province.
READ MORE: What people of Tirah facing unacceptable, says Afridi
Separately, Chief Minister Afridi presided over a Jirga consisting of national leaders and elders from Kurram district. The Jirga deliberated on the law and order situation, sectarian harmony, public issues, and development strategy in Kurram district. The national leaders and elders expressed full confidence in the chief minister and assured him of their complete cooperation.
“I will soon visit Kurram district to resolve the issues of displaced persons,” Afridi said.
He directed that the registration of families displaced from Kurram be completed within one week. He also directed that the payment of compensation to registered families be ensured within one week.
“Compensation for shops will also be provided soon, and the amount given to the victims of Tirah will also be provided to IDPs of other districts. Six million rupees will be spent on youth engagement programmes in the merged districts,” he said.
Tribal people have proven that the negative narrative spread about them is wrong, Afridi said.
“I know the pain of military operations and will not leave my people alone. We will pick up the pen instead of the gun and make the pen our weapon,” he maintained.
