A high-level meeting was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, to discuss the restoration of the Jirga system and other matters in the merged districts (former FATA). This was the introductory meeting of the special committee formed by the Prime Minister.
The meeting included detailed deliberations on promoting an effective alternative justice system in the tribal districts. Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam stated that tribal elders and legal experts will be included in the consultation process. He emphasized that the Jirga system will be aligned with the constitutional and judicial framework so that it can operate effectively within the bounds of transparency and the law.
Engineer Amir Muqam added that proposals will also be presented for the development and maintenance of law and order in the merged districts, and these proposals will be formulated in consultation with the tribal population to ensure that their real needs are addressed.
It was agreed to form a sub-committee, and it was decided that the next meeting will be held in Peshawar.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, speaking at the meeting, said that there is a need to reduce reliance on the police and ensure justice delivery at the grassroots level. He emphasized that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is a key stakeholder in this process, and "we are determined to move forward together."
Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi paid tribute to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam, stating that the elected representatives and tribal elders of the merged districts will be included in this process to ensure their voices are heard in decision-making.
Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah stated that the tribal society has historically been based on the Jirga system, and its effectiveness cannot be ignored.
The meeting was attended by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Secretary for Kashmir Affairs Zafar Hasan, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed, former Chief Secretary Shakeel Durrani, and other senior officials.
This meeting marked a significant milestone in steering the people of the merged districts toward justice, development, and participatory governance. The participation of senior officials, ministers, advisors, secretaries, and the police chief highlighted the importance of this initiative.
