Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced the restoration of the educational quota for the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in medical colleges and engineering universities.
According to details surfaced on Thursday, the announcement came during a meeting with a delegation of tribal elders at the Prime Minister’s House. The delegation, led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman, held a jirga with the prime minister to discuss public order and development in the merged districts. In response to longstanding concerns, PM Shehbaz confirmed that the federal government would reinstate the quota system to ensure access to professional education for students from these areas.
The delegation welcomed the decision and expressed satisfaction over the government's commitment to the region's development.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister stated, “I am pleased to host the tribal elders today at the Prime Minister’s House. You belong to regions that embody a proud historical legacy and rich traditions.” He praised the tribal communities for their enduring sacrifices for the peace and security of Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that the establishment of law and order in the merged districts remained a top priority for his administration. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security forces, police and law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism.
He emphasised the importance of unity, stating that leaders of all schools of thought must work together to make Pakistan a nation of peace.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, the Prime Minister said that the federal government was taking all possible measures for the economic uplift of the merged districts. “We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities in education, healthcare, vocational training and employment, especially for the youth,” he added.
PM Shehbaz said that a significant portion of this year’s development budget had been allocated for improvements to FATA University and the police infrastructure in the merged areas.
Federal Minister for Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Border Affairs, Engineer Amir Muqam, was directed to expand the scope of an existing committee—formed under his chairmanship—to address the challenges faced by the merged districts. The prime minister confirmed that tribal elders would be represented in the committee to ensure that their voices were heard.
The tribal delegation expressed gratitude for the inclusion of their representatives and for the restoration of the educational quota. They also lauded the Pakistan Army’s response to recent tensions with India, commending its strategic handling of the conflict.
In closing, the prime minister assured the delegation that similar consultative sessions would continue to be held to further address the developmental needs of the region.
The meeting was attended by several senior government officials, including Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Leghari, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Border Affairs Engineer Amir Muqam, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, as well as advisers to prime minister Pervez Khattak and Dr Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and other senior officials.
Separately, Rehman has apprised Prime Minister Shehbaz of his reservations over the recent legislation of the religious parties.
Sources divulged on Thursday that Rehman called on the premier in Islamabad. On this occasion, both the leaders exchanged views on the country's political situation.
PM Shehbaz has assured Rehman to address all the issues with consensus.
