The federal government has ordered the immediate establishment of an Area Development Secretariat to streamline peace, security, governance, and KP merged districts development. According to an official notification, the new administrative body will oversee specific tribal and southern regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to improve public service delivery and local administration.
The initiative will focus on eleven designated territories: Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan. Under the announced framework, the Area Development Secretariat will function under the supervision of an Area Representative and Development Council, which will consist of prominent local personalities led by a appointed chairman, vice chairman, spokesperson, and council members for a fixed term.
Administrative Powers and Oversight
An Additional Chief Secretary will serve as the head of the Secretariat and act as the Administrator for these designated districts. Officials and staff deployed within these territories will fall directly under the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretariat. Further postings and transfers in these areas will be ordered by the Prime Minister based on the Administrator's recommendations.
According to ARY News, the Administrator will exercise all statutory and administrative powers normally held by the provincial government within these specified districts. This includes full authority over local governance, security operations, development projects, and institutional oversight. The Administrator is empowered to issue necessary directives to the civil administration, police force, and military authorities.
Financial Control and Legal Status
To ensure operational efficacy for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa development plan, the Administrator will issue orders regarding operational and administrative functions, alongside the authority to manage fund allocations and transfers. Security matters will be addressed through close coordination between provincial departments and the armed forces, with provision to restructure government bodies to enhance public safety and basic services.
The notification specifies that orders issued by the Administrator will carry legal force equivalent to actions of the provincial government. Certain constitutional provisions and specific Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rules of Business will not apply to these designated districts. The federal order has taken effect immediately.
