PESHAWAR: The adviser to chief minister on information, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, on Wednesday highlighted the role of tribal leaders and local communities in maintaining peace in merged districts.

He said that government highly valued involvement of tribal leaders in peace efforts. He said that local communities were being taken into confidence to ensure sustainable peace and long term stability.

A delegation led by Mr Saif visited Miramshah, North Waziristan, and Bannu, said a statement. The delegation included Provincial Minister Pakhtun Yar, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, KP police chief Zulfiqar Hameed and other senior officials.

The visit was conducted on the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to assess security situation in the region. The delegation was briefed by civil and military officials on security situation in North Waziristan and surrounding areas. The delegation also paid homage at martyrs’ monument and offered prayers for them.

CM’s aide leads delegation to North Waziristan and Bannu

Mr Saif said on the occasion that establishing peace in merged districts was top priority of provincial government. He added that substantial funds were being allocated for the purpose.

“Sustainable development is not possible without peace,” he said. He acknowledged the historical deprivation faced by merged districts.

“The ultimate goal is to bring these districts at par with the rest of the province,” he said and highlighted the role of youth and tribal elders in ensuring lasting peace. He urged them to play their role in maintenance of peace in the area.

After visiting North Waziristan visit, the delegation proceeded to Bannu where it was briefed by commissioner and senior police officials on security and public issues. The delegation also met tribal elders representing various communities in Bannu.

The delegation also held meetings with local leaders including ANP former senator Baz Mohammad Khan, JUI-F MPA Adnan Khan and other elders from Bannu City as well as leaders from Wazir tribe.

The elders briefed the delegation on the challenges faced by the area. The delegation also listened to public grievances and assured elder that their concerns would be addressed at the highest level.

Mr Saif said that chief minister had previously visited Bannu and the current visit was also conducted under his direct guidance. He said that resolving public issues at community level was a priority of provincial government.

The provincial government, he stated, was investing heavily in uplift of backward regions to set them on the path of sustainable progress. He said that a comprehensive report detailing observations, recommendations and future action plans would be presented to chief minister following the visit.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2025