KP Governor sends 48 development council names to Federal Government

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi forwarded a list of 48 local representatives to the federal government on October 17, for appointment to the Area Representatives and Development Councils across 12 designated districts following consultations with traditional jirgas and community leaders.

What is KP’s Area Representatives and Development Council?

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Area Representatives and Development Council is a proposed regional body formed across 12 districts to strengthen security, promote economic development, and enhance local governance. It comprises 48 nominated tribal elders and community leaders who represent public interests following emergency administrative measures imposed across the affected districts.

Who will lead the newly proposed development council?

Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor Shaukatullah Khan from Bajaur district has been nominated as chairperson of the council. Malik Khan Marjan from North Waziristan will serve as vice-chairperson.

Samar Haroon Bilour, adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor on information, said local deputy commissioners helped organize traditional jirgas across all 12 districts. These consultative gatherings selected respected leaders who maintain strong support within their local communities.

The nomination lists were initially submitted to the provincial chief secretary for administrative review. Governor Kundi then received the processed names and sent them directly to federal authorities for final approval.

Which districts are covered under the council proposal?

The council initiative covers eight tribal districts and four settled districts where emergency administration took effect on October 11. These areas include Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, Upper South Waziristan, and Lower South Waziristan.

Officials designed the council to restore law and order, protect local residents, and accelerate essential regional infrastructure projects. The initial proposal establishes a six-month tenure for the chairperson, vice-chairperson, and council members.

Who are the nominated council members by district?

The provincial government proposed four representatives for Bajaur, including Shaukatullah Khan, Shahabuddin Khan, Malik Sultan Zeb, and Haji Lali Shah. Mohmand includes three nominees: Malik Fayyaz Khan, Malik Nadir Manan, and Malik Sahib Khan Ambar.

Five leaders represent Khyber district, namely Malik Abdul Razzaq, Malik Izzatullah, Malik Salahuddin, Malik Zahir Shah, and Shireen Khan. Orakzai features three nominated members, comprising Lal Man Shah, Syed Fakhar Abbas, and Faizullah. Kurram includes five nominees: Munir Hussain Bangash, Malik Abdul Wali Khan, Malik Zameen Hussain, Syed Wali Mian, and Ehsanullah Ehsan.

North Waziristan comprises five representative members: Malik Khan Marjan, Malik Nasrullah, Mufti Misbahullah Khan, Malik Habib Khan, and Malik Haji Sher Muhammad. Upper South Waziristan includes four nominees, including Saleh Shah, Malik Irfanuddin Ahmed Barki, Malik Muhammad Roman Mehsud, and Malik Ramtal Khan. Lower South Waziristan features four representatives: Malik Allahuddin Wazir, Malik Jamil Toji Khel, Chief Malik Moeenuddin Wazir, and Malik Sardar Abbas.

Bannu features four nominated members, namely Baz Muhammad Khan, Maulana Abdul Ghaffar Qureshi, Malik Ehsan Khan, and Malik Shireen. Dera Ismail Khan includes four representatives: Abdul Haleem, Sardar Aghaz Khan, Sardar Abad Khan, and advocate Qaiser Khan. Tank features three nominees, comprising Nawabzada Abdul Wahab, Abdullah Nangial, and Irfanullah Kundi. Finally, Lakki Marwat includes four representatives: Maulana Muhammad Umar Ashrafi, Malik Idrees Khan, Najeebullah Khan, and Rahmatullah, who is also known as Mati.