PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday called for collective action to improve KP Security, saying lasting peace is vital for the province’s development and prosperity.

Speaking to a delegation from the South Waziristan Lower Ahmadzai Wazir Jirga at the Governor House, Kundi said authorities must confront the resurgence of militancy with unity and determination.

The delegation, led by Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Waziristan General Secretary Imran Mukhlis, included Jamal Nasir, Nasrullah, Mir Ghulam and Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chairman Farzand Wazir.

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Kundi said the government had promised the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) a three per cent share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. He said the allocation amounts to around Rs100 billion annually and urged authorities to honour the commitment.

He also opposed the imposition of taxes in the merged tribal districts and the Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA). The governor urged Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial to visit the affected areas before introducing any taxation measures.

Criticising the provincial government’s performance, Kundi said it had failed to tackle the worsening law and order situation. He added that he had asked the chief minister to work jointly on resolving tax-related issues in the merged districts.

The governor said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to face energy shortages despite producing electricity, oil and natural gas. He stressed that the province should receive its constitutional share of resources and called for the protection of the 18th Constitutional Amendment.

Expressing concern over the reported wheat shortage, Kundi urged all stakeholders to work together for the province’s constitutional and economic rights.

He assured the delegation that authorities would prioritise issues related to district administration, the Gomal Zam Road and NADRA facilities.

During the meeting, jirga members highlighted deteriorating law and order, inadequate security for schools and healthcare facilities, rising extortion cases and the decline of trade and fruit businesses in South Waziristan Lower.

They also urged the government to reopen the Angoor Ada border crossing, which has remained closed since 2023. The delegation said reopening the crossing would revive trade and economic activity in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and South Waziristan.

The jirga further demanded a women’s hospital, tax relief for residents, free electricity and additional teaching posts. Members also called for the completion of the Gomal Zam Road to Angoor Ada, promotion of tourism in Waziristan, development of a recreational site at Gomal Zam and the establishment of BISP and NADRA registration centres in every tehsil.