Staff Reporter
Peshawar
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan has stated that peaceful, transparent, free and fair election in the newly merged districts has dispelled all negative propagandas and has proved that the people of the tribal districts fully support the merger process. The Chief Minister added that people of newly merged districts have shown that they are peaceful and democratic people who support the merger into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing a press conference here at the Chief Minister’s house, Peshawa, the chief minister said merger process has been completed adding that the next important phase is the Local Government elections which will devolve powers to the grass root level thereby completing the democratic process and ensuring that people are part of governance. These views were stated by the Chief Minister while. Minister Information Shaukat Yousafzai was also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister congratulated the newly elected Provincial Assembly members from the tribal districts adding that these elections will prove to be a new chapter of development and progress for the tribal districts. “20th July, 2019 became a historic day for the tribal people. The election commission of Pakistan, Armed Forces, Security Agencies and people of the tribal districts deserve appreciation on the conduct of such peaceful, impartial, free and fair election.” Mahmood Khan
The Chief Minister stated that participation of women, from tribal districts, in the elections has proved that citizens of tribal districts not only believe in democratic norms but also encourage women folk to become part of the democratic process. Mahmood Khan stated that the PTI led provincial Government will ensure that the development of tribal districts is given paramount importance adding that a 10 years development plan has already been chalked out in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
He added that 70 years of deprivations will soon come to an end and people of the tribal districts will have the same facilities as in other parts of the country. In response to a question from media personnel regarding election results, Mahmood Khan clarified that PTI has emerged the leading political party securing more seats in the newly merged districts than any other political party.
The Chief Minister clarified that all independent candidates have formally been invited to join Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf so they may play an effective role in implementation of the 10 years development plan. The Chief Minister also clarified that due portfolios will be assigned to the newly elected MPAs in the provincial cabinet as per law. The Chief Minister also paid special thanks to media for positive coverage during the election adding that media has ensured communication of the peaceful elections internationally which has dispelled all sorts of negative perceptions and propagandas regarding the tribal areas.
