Staff Report
PESHAWAR: The tribal elders jirga here Thursday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam for maintaining the tax exemption in the federal budget 2025–26 and for the release of Rs. 37 billion for erstwhile FATA.
The important jirga was held at the residence of Federal Minister and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, in Peshawar. The jirga was attended by over 60 tribal elders, dignitaries, and responsible figures from the merged districts (formerly FATA), and was chaired by Engineer Amir Muqam himself.
On this occasion, the tribal elders expressed gratitude to the PM, Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam and Federal Government for maintaining the tax exemption in the federal budget 2025–26 and for the release of Rs. 37 billion for erstwhile FATA. A detailed discussion was held on the current ground realities, issues, challenges, and the future course of action.
The elders said that Engineer Amir Muqam has always served as the voice of the people of ex FATA, representing their rights in the assemblies. Today’s jirga is a testament to the trust the tribal people place in the leadership of Engineer Amir Muqam.
Addressing the jirga, Engineer Amir Muqam said that the people of FATA have made sacrifices for the country and it is their right to receive relief, development, and an honorable inclusion in the national mainstream.
He emphasized that his struggle is not for personal gain, but for the prosperity and justice of these regions.
The Minister added that he will continue to raise his voice for the youth, traders, farmers, students, and all segments of FATA at every forum.
In this regard, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee to restore the jirga system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and to strengthen and make the civil administration more effective.
This committee will prepare recommendations based on ground realities, tribal traditions, and public consultation. This initiative is a significant step towards sustainable solutions and better governance in light of the social and traditional structure of the tribal areas. The jirga expressed confidence in the policies of the Federal Government and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Participants of the jirga included Leader of the Opposition in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Dr. Ibadullah Khan, former MNA Nazir Khan, PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Vice President Inayat Wazir, Malik Khan Marjan from North Waziristan, Bismillah Khan from Kohat, Azam Masood and Muhammad Kashif from South Waziristan Upper, Nader Manan from Mohmand, Hadi Shah from Bajaur, Mawez from Bannu, Abdul Karim Abid and Khalil Hashmi from Kurram, and Mir Badshah from Jandola, along with other tribal elders.
