PESHAWAR (Dunya News) - The process of electing members of the Regional Development Council under the new administrative system has begun in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In the first phase, the consultation process has been initiated through jirgas in North Waziristan, Khyber, Bannu and Tal (Kurram) on October 14, while this process will be repeated in other relevant districts over the next two days.
Under the new administrative system, the local people of Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, South Waziristan Upper, South Waziristan Lower, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat and Bannu will elect members of the Regional Development Council through the Jirga system.
The wishes of the local population, tribal traditions, and mutual consultation are being taken into account in the selection of council members. The aim of this process is to provide representation to local elders and effectively convey the problems, needs, and development priorities of the area to the relevant authorities.
In this regard, Jirgas were organised by the district administration in North Waziristan, Khyber, Bannu and Tal with elders, scholars, tribal elders and traders.
In these meetings, the law and order situation, security, public issues, and development needs were discussed, while suggestions for solving problems faced at the local level were also considered.
Deputy Commissioners and district administrations of the districts concerned are providing assistance in the election process. Jirgas are being held and consultations are also underway in various areas, which will continue until the election of council members from all the concerned districts is completed.
This system is being described as an attempt to link local traditions and community consultation with the administrative and development process, with the aim of making the representation of the local population effective and giving importance to public needs in development planning.
After the election process is complete, two tribal elders or Maliks will be elected from each district, while a Regional Development Council will be formed with representation from 12 districts.
The main objective of the council is to identify development projects according to the needs of the local population, formulate proposals to solve public problems, and improve coordination with administrative institutions.