SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Tribal elders at a jirga here the other day demanded of authorities to make functional schools and hospitals in the region to facilitate people.

The jirga, held at the deputy commissioner’s compound in Wana, was presided over by MPA Ajab Gul Wazir and Deputy Commissioner Nasir Khan. The elders of Sulemankhel, Ahmadzai Wazir and Dottani tribes attended the jirga.

They said that instead of building new infrastructure, the existing nonfunctional schools and health centres should be made functional. They said that the existing facilities in the area needed to be utilised so that better education and health services could be availed by locals.

The elders also showed serious concerns over the poor law and order situation in the area. They said that development was impossible without peace. They said that provincial government should immediately take effective measures to restore peace in the area.

They also talked about the issue of nonpayment of salaries to the staff of Sheikh Fatima Binte Mubarak Hospital Sholam and Category D Hospital Toi Khullah. They called for better management of several departments including agriculture, forestry and Nadra.

Sulemankhel elders complained that Toi Khullah tehsil was deprived of basic facilities.

The MPA and deputy commissioner said that some of the problems identified by the elders would be addressed on the spot. They said that chief minister would be informed about the issues related to provincial government.

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2024