Provincial Neglect Deepens Crisis in Merged Districts
By Khalid Khan
In Mohmand’s rugged terrain, where ancestral lands whisper tales of sacrifice, tribal elders from Halimzai, Safi, and Baizai have risen in protest. These lands, donated in the spirit of public service, now stand as silent witnesses to broken promises. Schools and offices established on these precious properties were symbols of progress, but today, they embody betrayal.
The pledge of Class-IV jobs to locals was not just an agreement; it was a pact of trust. These roles ensured livelihoods and preserved tribal dignity. Yet, the provincial government’s decision to transfer employees beyond their native lands has unraveled this trust, striking at the heart of tribal customs.
“Our sacrifices are disregarded, and our traditions shattered,” the elders lamented during their meeting in Ghalanai. They warned that relocating employees to unfamiliar regions imposes undue hardship and violates the socio-cultural fabric of their communities.
A grand jirga, set for January 20 at the Mohmand Press Club, will unite representatives from all tribes to determine the next steps. For the elders, this is more than a battle over jobs—it is a stand for justice, dignity, and respect for their sacrifices.
This crisis is a microcosm of the broader neglect plaguing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged districts. Since the FATA merger, promises of development and prosperity have faded, leaving behind unpaved roads, underfunded schools, and a vacuum of governance. The lack of meaningful investment has sown frustration and alienation, creating fertile ground for the resurgence of militancy.
Mohmand’s protests echo a warning across KP: the province’s apathy and mismanagement are undoing years of fragile progress. If leadership continues to disregard its responsibilities, it risks not only losing the trust of its people but also inviting instability into an already volatile region.