Govt Rules Out Reversal of Tribal Districts Merger, Forms Consultative Committee

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam categorically stated on Monday that the merger of tribal districts with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will not be undone, though concerns about implementation would be addressed. During a press conference in Islamabad, he revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a high-level committee following consultations with tribal elders during his recent Peshawar visit. The panel includes cross-party representation and focuses on improving governance and livelihoods in the merged districts.

Muqam expressed disappointment over the opposition’s boycott of the committee, stressing that politicizing the issue hindered progress. He clarified that the body would consult former and current lawmakers to refine existing laws without constitutional amendments. “The merger is irreversible, but we’re open to pragmatic improvements in governance frameworks,” he asserted, dismissing rumors of a policy U-turn.

The minister also addressed KP’s fractured political landscape, noting that while no talks were underway with rival parties, “in politics, possibilities remain open.” He reiterated that all decisions would align with the aspirations of tribal communities, with the committee engaging local stakeholders, including elected representatives, to ensure inclusive development.

Accompanied by Ministry Secretary Zafar Hasan, Muqam emphasized that the government’s goal was to strengthen service delivery in the region. The committee’s mandate includes tackling administrative bottlenecks and ensuring that post-merger reforms translate into tangible benefits for tribal residents, from infrastructure to economic opportunities. The presser underscored Islamabad’s bid to balance political sensitivities with developmental urgency in the restive region.