BAJAUR: The participants of Bajaur Qaumi Amn Jirga held here the other day asked the government to take effective steps for durable peace and sustainable socioeconomic development of the district.

They alleged the merger of former Fata with the province was yet to bring any positive change in the region.

The jirga was organised by All Bajaur Peace Action Committee, an association of political, religious and trader leaders and tribal elders of the district struggling to improve law and order in the district.

Former governor Shaukatullah Khan, All Bajaur Peace Action Committee chairman and JUI-F district chief Maulana Abdur Rasheed, JI district chief Sabibzada Haroon Rasheed, PPP leader Sayed AkhunzadaChattan, ANP leader Gul Afzal Khan, PPP district president Haji Sher Bahadar, PML-N president Malik Gul Kareem Khan, Bajaur Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Haji Lali Shah, tribal elders Malik Attaullah Khan, Malik Mohammad Ayaz Khan and All Bajaur Seminaries Association chairman Maulana Zakirullah addressed the gathering.

They said that the people of Bajaur expected that merger of former Fata with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would improve the law and order and socio-economic condition of the district.

However, they said, the merger was yet to bring any visible improvement in the region.

The speakers expressed concern over increase in crime rate and asked the police to take action against the elements involved.

They also demanded that Bajaur be declared a calamity-hit district following the May 7 devastating hailstorm, which badly affected wheat crop, vegetables and fruit orchards.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2023