logo
Kundi slams K-P for 'diverting' tribal funds

Kundi slams K-P for 'diverting' tribal funds

Express Tribune09-06-2025
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasized the need for unity among the Pashtun community to overcome the challenges they face.
He called on all tribal groups to engage with the state with a united voice and urged the formation of a joint tribal Jirga to collectively plan for the future of the merged tribal districts.
He made these remarks on Monday while addressing a gathering organized by the Mehsud Jirga in Dera Ismail Khan, where he was the chief guest. The event was attended by elders from the Mehsud, Barki, and Bettani tribes of Upper South Waziristan.
The leaders of the Mehsud Jirga lauded Governor Kundi's efforts in securing the safe recovery of Atta Muhammad Mehsud, acknowledging his active role in the matter.
Speaking at the event, the governor said, "Advocating for your rights and contributing to the recovery of Atta Muhammad was my duty." He added that he had raised the issue of tribal rights with the prime minister, affirming that this was not about politics but about ensuring that the rights of the tribal people are upheld.
Governor Kundi criticized the provincial government for failing to fulfill its promise of providing Rs100 billion annually to the merged districts following their integration. He accused the provincial authorities of diverting Rs700 billion funds meant for the tribal areas.
He concluded by stating that the elimination of terrorism would bring lasting peace to the tribal regions and secure a brighter future for the youth. "All stakeholders must play a constructive role in establishing peace across the province," he said.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Revised business plan: PIA buyer required to invest Rs70bn in 5 years: PC
Revised business plan: PIA buyer required to invest Rs70bn in 5 years: PC

Business Recorder

time2 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Revised business plan: PIA buyer required to invest Rs70bn in 5 years: PC

ISLAMABAD: Privatization Commission Secretary Usman Akhtar Bajwa, Tuesday, informed the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization that the buyer of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) will be required to invest Rs70 billion over five years period under revised business plan of privatisation of PIA. A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization was held under the chairmanship of Senator Dr Afnanullah Khan. The meeting was attended by senators Zeeshan Khanzada, Bilal Ahmed Khan, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Mohsin Aziz and other officials from Ministry from Privatization, Power Division and Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL). Aviation panel told: PIACL sell-off process almost over Secretary Privatization Commission, while sharing the revised business plan of privatization of the national flag carrier, stated that the due diligence process has begun for pre-qualified companies in the PIA privatization. Starting next week, site visits and expert sessions will begin for pre-qualified companies. Expert sessions will include briefings on aircraft conditions and routes, said Usman Bajwa. To a query, he said that a decision has been taken to launch PIA flights to Manchester starting from August 14. However, there are security concerns for PIA's North American routes. Efforts will be made to resolve security concerns regarding North American routes. He stated that PIA's current business model is not sustainable. In the previous bidding round, investors backed out because their demands were not met. He further briefed that now, investors will receive sales tax exemption on aircraft purchases. The government had to inject Rs100 billion annually to keep PIA running. The services of the previous financial advisor have been re-engaged for PIA's privatisation. During the meeting, the committee reviewed a report highlighting complaints of the pensioners of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL). It was also revealed that currently pension liabilities for 6,625 employees of PIACL amount to Rs14.87609 billion. Expressing concern, Chairman Committee Senator Dr Afnanullah Khan remarked that the pension amount is extremely low, asking how people are expected to survive. In response, the Ministry of Privatization stated that pension policies are regularly revised and updated annually in line with allowances. The chairman directed that Grade/Scale wise pension details, including the amount received and the distribution process, be presented in the next meeting. Privatization Commission informed the committee that the Board of the Privatisation Commission in its July 2025 meeting resolved as under:a) Pre-qualified the following interested parties as prospective bidders/pre-qualified bidders (PQBs): (i) Consortium comprising Lucky Cement Limited, Hub Power Holdings Limited, Kohat Cement Company Limited and Metro Ventures (Private) Limited; (ii) Consortium comprising Arif Habib Corporation Limited, Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, City Schools (Private) Limited and Lake City Holdings (Private) Limited; iii) Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, and iv) Air Blue Limited. b) Consortium comprising ASIL and Serene Air (Private) Limited, Bahria Foundation, Mega C&S Holding, Equitas Capital LLC, was not pre-qualified, as it did not meet the requirements of the Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ). The PQBs have been invited to conduct buy-side due diligence by giving access to Virtual Data Room. The PQBs will also be invited for pre-bid conference/meetings for finalisation of bid documents, Privatization Commission added. About the privatisation of power distribution companies, secretary Privatization Commission stated that the DISCOs face issues related to asset transfers, ownership of grid stations, and recoveries from government departments. The DISCOs are also facing challenges related to regulatory frameworks, payments to government entities, and pension liabilities and payments. He further said that 51 percent to 100 percent assets of the DISCOs' will be sold. Three DISCOs will be privatised between January and June of the current fiscal year. The committee was informed that the Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC) is not yet included in Privatization list. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada questioned why this institution is being Privatized and asked about the purpose behind it. Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan also raised concerns, questioning why land is being granted/allotted if the government plans to privatise the institution. He further asked about the area under PMDC's operation and the quantity of mineral output. Senators further queried the basis of the privatization decision, noting that the Petroleum Ministry lacks the mandate to privatise the PMDC. In response, the minister clarified that the Cabinet Committee on SOEs is responsible for evaluating organisations and that the Petroleum Ministry can better explain its mandate. The committee was briefed on the privatisation process, which involves recommendations to the Board, Cabinet's approval, and hiring of financial/legal advisors through advertisements. The evaluation criteria will then be assessed before final approval. The Chairman Committee Senator Dr Afnanullah Khan proposed that PMDC be invited to the next meeting to further deliberate on this matter. Regarding ZTBL, the committee was informed that it is included in Phase One of the privatisation list approved by the government in August 2024. A total of 24 organisations are to be privatised. ZTBL is currently in the process of hiring a financial adviser. The ministry stated that the negotiations are in progress to finalise how ZTBL will be privatised. Moreover, Senator Dr Afnanullah Khan questioned the delay in hiring a financial adviser, noting that the last meeting was held on January 31st, when the bids were submitted and evaluated. He expressed concern that nearly six months had passed without finalizing the appointment. The ministry responded that the process typically takes six to eight weeks but was delayed due to high fee demands by one party nearly Rs500 million forcing a restart of the process. The ministry assured the committee that the complete privatisation process is now targeted to be completed within nine months. Furthermore, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada raised a critical point upon the overall privatisation process of the entities. He further questioned the rationale behind privatizing the entities while highlighting the performance of the Privatization Commission. He urged that this issue be thoroughly discussed in the committee. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

KP governor administers oath to Opposition MPAs
KP governor administers oath to Opposition MPAs

Business Recorder

time2 days ago

  • Business Recorder

KP governor administers oath to Opposition MPAs

PESHAWAR: The Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi administered oath to the newly elected members of the provincial assembly on reserved seats for women and non-Muslim. The oath-taking ceremony was held here at Governor's House on Sunday. After the adjournment of the proceedings of the KP Assembly in the name of the lack of quorum in an especially summoned session of the house for the purpose, the Chief Justice, Peshawar High Court (PHC) on a request of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in line with Article 255 (2) of the Constitution of Pakistan had nominated the Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to administered oath to newly elected members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on reserved seats for women and non-Muslims. PHC bars elected MPAs on reserved seats from taking oath A formal notification (No. 453-J) issued by the High Court Registrar directed that the oath-taking ceremony should take place at the earliest in accordance with the constitutional framework and prescribed legal procedures. The Governor has been tasked to ensure that the oath is administered in the prescribed manner and that official record is properly maintained. The court has also instructed the Secretary of the Provincial Assembly to facilitate the process by enabling the newly notified members to sign the Roll of Members as per Rule 6 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Procedure and Conduct of Business Rules, 1988. A formal notification in this regard also issued on Sunday, and its copies were forwarded to key stakeholders including the Speaker and Secretary of the Provincial Assembly, the Election Commission, and the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A ceremony to administered oath to women and non-Muslims elected on reserved seats is schedule at Governor's House today (Monday) at 9:00 A.M. The Treasury benches in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly created the issue of quorum to avoid the administering of oath to women and non-Muslims elected to the house against reserved seats. A special session of the provincial legislature was convened on the request of the Chief Minister to administer oath to the women and minorities' representatives elected on reserved seats to formally enrolled them as members of the house. But it could not happen due to the strategy evolved by the treasury benches, which is divided into two groups over the issuance of tickets by the party leadership, particularly by the jailed PTI founder Imran Khan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly is going to elect 11 Senators and on the basis of its strength in the electoral college, it has fielded six candidates by issuing them party ticket. The candidates fielded by the ruling party include Murad Saeed, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri and Mirza Khan Afridi on general seats, Azam Swati on technocrat and Robina Naz on seats reserved for women. The Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur and joint opposition in the provincial legislature have already developed consensus on the distribution of seats by allowing the election of the five candidates of the later to the Senate. However, some PTI leaders Irfan Saleem, Khurram Zeeshan and Ayesha Bano, who had had filed nominations, but were denied tickets are not ready to accept the decision of the leadership and have come in the forefront of the leadership against the decision of the party. Though the session of the legislature was convened. However, the staying away from the house by the legislatures, particularly treasury benches braked it due to the lack of quorum in the house. As the house began proceedings with Speaker Babar Saleem Swati in the chair, a treasury benches member Sher Ali Afridi pinpointed the lack of quorum and the Speaker has to order the ringing of the bells to bring legislators to the house. But, in legislators did not turned up prompting the Speaker to adjourned the proceedings of the house till July 24,2025. Later, speaking informally in the house, the leader of opposition Dr Ibadullah said that how long will this continue? He said that a period of over on years has been passed, but the members are still awaiting their oath. He said that if the Speaker does not take the oath, then they will file a petition with the Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court to administer the oath to them. Earlier, while speaking to the media, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said tha the oath-taking will take place whenever the assembly session is held, quorum in the house merely after entering the house. When asked regarding the delay in the oath-taking, the Speaker with a meaningful smile said that it will happen eventually. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Thousands rally in Dir Lower for peace
Thousands rally in Dir Lower for peace

Express Tribune

time2 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Thousands rally in Dir Lower for peace

Thousands of local residents participated in Aman Pasawon in Dir Lower district on Sunday and protested against the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. They demanded decisive action against terrorists in the region to ensure lasting peace. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Population Welfare, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, addressed the gathering in Maidan, stressing that peace is the fundamental need of society and that all citizens must play an active role in maintaining it. Expressing gratitude to the people of Maidan, local elders, youth, and the Maidan Action Committee, he said, "Today's gathering is living proof that the people of Maidan categorically reject unrest, extremism, and chaos. We want peace for the bright future of our children, the comfort of our homes, and the development of our region and we are united in this goal." Applauding the spirit of the local population, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan highlighted their patience, resilience, and awareness during challenging times. "This unity, this awareness, and this collective voice bind us together today with renewed resolve," he added. He also acknowledged the participation and solidarity shown by tribal elders, youth, civil society, and leaders of the Maidan Action Committee at the peace gathering. Reaffirming the government's commitment, the Special Assistant assured the public of full support from the provincial government at every level for the promotion of peace, development, and public welfare. It may be recalled that on Friday, thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community. The Utmanzai Jirga announced that the next Aman Pasoon will be held in the Datta Khel tehsil of North Waziristan, where residents have been under curfew for the past eleven days. The Jirga urged the government to ease the restrictions and resolve all issues through dialogue and mutual consultation.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store