The Mehsud tribe, predominantly situated in the recently amalgamated district of South Waziristan, has formally requested the provincial government to promptly relocate all district administration offices and courts from the adjacent district of Tank to Spinkai, Upper Waziristan.
A grand Qomi Jirga, encompassing representatives from every Mehsud sub-tribe, convened on November 10 in Sararogha, South Waziristan. During this assembly, Mehsud elders expressed their discontent over the fact that, despite five years having elapsed since the merger, district administration offices have yet to shift their operations from district Tank to South Waziristan.
The elders emphasized the historical context of their governance, highlighting that they endured governmental oversight for 72 years under the draconian Frontiers Crimes Regulations (FCR). Post-merger, however, they find themselves subject to governance from a distant district via remote control. This arrangement not only evokes resentment among the Mehsud tribe, but also deprives them of the facilities enjoyed by residents in other parts of the province, as articulated in their speeches.
The police have successfully relocated their offices to South Waziristan, contributing significantly to the resolution of numerous public issues. It raises the question: if the police can execute a seamless transition of their operations, why is the district administration not undertaking a similar move?
Five years have elapsed since the merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, yet Upper Waziristan stands out as the lone district still officially operating from a different administrative center. While the police have already successfully relocated their operations to the district, the district administration is yet to make this crucial transition," emphasized Malik Aslam Khan in a conversation with The Friday Times.
He highlighted the anomaly where South Waziristan stands as the singular district of Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) still being practically and administratively governed from an external district. This persistence, he asserted, is primarily due to the reluctance of civil servant baabus to assume responsibilities in that region.
"How can we anticipate a sense of integration among our people when they are subjected to such treatment? The necessity for even the most basic government tasks requiring a journey to Tank is profoundly unjust," he added.
South Waziristan continues to serve as a pivotal battleground in the war against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its affiliated groups. It is imperative to recognize that alienating the Mehsud Tribe, a significant local community, could severely hinder our efforts in combating the TTP. The current scenario underscores the importance of fostering a sense of integration among the Mehsud Tribe, as this is essential for effectively countering the persistent attacks from the TTP on our security forces.
On a daily basis, we witness brazen assaults by the TTP, further emphasizing the urgency of creating a unified front against these militants. To mount a successful defense and neutralize the threat posed by the TTP, it is crucial to ensure that the tribal communities, particularly the Mehsud Tribe, feel fully integrated into the broader fabric of the country. By doing so, we not only strengthen our collective resolve but also foster a collaborative environment that is vital for overcoming the challenges posed by extremist elements.
In discussions with the elders of the Mehsud tribe, a recurring theme emerged: a pervasive sense of alienation among the general public, particularly the youth, owing to a dearth of fundamental opportunities in the newly merged districts. They expressed a disconcerting sentiment that, in the absence of basic government interventions, individuals might find themselves sympathizing with TTP operatives, especially when the TTP steps in to resolve disputes, a role traditionally attributed to the government.
A recent instance illustrating this trend is the TTP's involvement in addressing issues related to the cutting of jungle in South Waziristan. Rather than the district administration taking charge of such matters, people are lauding the TTP for safeguarding their national assets. The unsettling reality is that actions typically expected from the government machinery are being performed by militants, generating goodwill for them within the community. This precarious situation is glaringly apparent, even to a school-going child, yet it is perplexing why the government appears to be overlooking this critical issue.
The merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province in Pakistan has marked a historic milestone in the region's development and integration. As the newly merged districts undergo a transformative period, it becomes imperative to focus on mainstreaming the people and empowering them to actively participate in the province's progress.
The federal government had pledged an annual allocation of Rs. 100 billion from the divisible pool for ex-FATA, with the aim of bridging the development gap, improving infrastructure, reducing poverty, and generating employment opportunities in the region. Regrettably, the government has fallen short of fulfilling this commitment. The recent letter from the interim Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa underscores this issue, emphasizing that the shortage of funds for the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) could potentially lead to a catastrophic situation that spirals out of control.
The mainstreaming of the people of the newly merged districts in KP requires a multifaceted approach that addresses their educational, infrastructural, economic, social, and governance needs. By focusing on these areas and implementing targeted policies and initiatives, the government, in collaboration with civil society organizations and the private sector, can foster an environment of inclusivity, sustainable development, and social harmony. It is through these efforts that the people of the merged districts can fully participate in and contribute to the progress and prosperity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a whole.