Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has articulated that the government is undertaking all necessary initiatives to ensure economic progress and the welfare of the populations residing in the recently merged districts. His remarks were made during a dialogue with a delegation of tribal elders, spearheaded by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the Chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister emphasized that providing equitable and superior education, healthcare, skills, and employment opportunities, particularly targeting the youth in the merged tribal districts, is a key governmental priority. In a notable move, Shehbaz Sharif revealed the restoration of quotas for these districts in medical colleges and engineering universities.

The federal government, as highlighted by the Prime Minister, has earmarked a significant development budget this year, focusing on the enhancement of FATA University and the police infrastructure within these areas. Establishing law and order remains a government focal point, with Shehbaz Sharif acknowledging the sacrifices made by Pakistan's security forces, police, and other law enforcement bodies in their ongoing battle against terrorism.

Shehbaz Sharif praised the historical sacrifices made by tribal communities for Pakistan's peace and security, urging elders from all ideological backgrounds to collaborate in transforming Pakistan into a haven of peace. He issued directives to broaden the scope of an existing committee tasked with addressing issues in the merged districts, chaired by Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Amir Muqam. He assured that tribal elders from these districts would also receive representation within this committee.

In response, the tribal elders' delegation conveyed their appreciation for the committee's expanded scope, their representation, and the reinstatement of educational quotas. They also lauded the Pakistan Army for its strategic and resolute reaction to Indian aggression amid the recent Pakistan-India tensions.

Furthermore, the delegation expressed their gratitude towards the Prime Minister for arranging a consultative meeting focused on the law and order, development, and prosperity of the merged districts. Shehbaz Sharif assured that future consultative meetings with the tribal elders would be organized to track the progress of these initiatives.