LAKKI MARWAT: Tribal elders and youth have urged the government and district administration to focus on resolving problems faced by the tribesmen and take practical steps for provision of basic amenities of life to them at their doorsteps.

They were speaking at a khuli kutchery (open session) convened by deputy commissioner Hameedullah Khan on Sunday.

DPO Nazir Khan, commander 55 Brigade brig Haider Ali, additional deputy commissioner Sohail Ahmad Bukhari, assistant commissioner Muhammad Asad Khan and heads of line departments were also present.

The tribal chiefs said that the entire Bittani subdivision was a symbol of neglect as local tribesmen had no access to civic amenities.

Khuli kutcheri held, Bittani subdivision described as symbol of neglect

“The poor road infrastructure is one of the main reasons for the backwardness of the tribal region, as in many areas the dirt tracks are required to be replaced with paved roads,” said an elder.

Another tribal elder revealed that the tribesmen were facing acute shortage of drinking water and inadequate health facilities.

“The government should also focus on improving facilities in under-resourced schools in the tribal area,” he maintained.

The elders said that the open session had provided them with the opportunity to present their concerns directly to officials.

The deputy commissioner issued on-spot instructions to relevant departments to address grievances without any delay.

The government officials also visited the remote Shadikhel, Madikhel, Gazgoba and Mastikhel areas where they heard people’s problems at their doorsteps.

Mr Hameedullah said on the occasion that by bringing governance directly to the underserved communities, the administration not only addressed immediate concerns but also set a precedent for more responsive and inclusive governance in the region where public confidence had often been weakened by neglect.

He said that the visit was arranged on the directives of the provincial government to bridge the gap between governance and geography by improving access to public services.

The government team also inspected the police and levies checkpoints in the border region where they reviewed the security situation and assessed coordination between security forces.

They emphasised the need for stronger inter-agency coordination to ensure stability in the strategically sensitive area.

The district administration, police and security officials also inspected schools, health facilities and the tehsil office to evaluate service delivery firsthand rather than through reports.

They interacted directly with staff and residents, gathering feedback on infrastructure gaps, staff shortages and operational challenges.

In Mastikhel, the deputy commissioner inaugurated a football tournament with sixteen local teams in participation.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2026