ISLSMABAD -UNS: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani met with a 90-member delegation of the Tribal Jirga led by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi at the Parliament House. The Jirga included prominent tribal elders and guests including Dr. Alamzeb Mohmand, Malik Khan Marjan Wazir, and Bismillah Khan Afridi.
During the meeting, the delegation informed the Chairman on challenges faced by the merged districts of the former FATA, including unjust distribution of resources and other critical issues. Chairman Senate warmly welcomed the delegation and assured them that the tribal people would not be left alone. He stated that the Senate is the strong voice and protector of the rights of the merged districts, and addressing their deprivations is among the national priorities.
He thanked the Governor KP for effectively raising the issues of tribal people and said their concerns and demands are legitimate and must be addressed as a priority. The time has come to reward their sacrifices with development, employment, education, healthcare, and lasting peace.
Chairman Senate said peace is a global concern, especially in the Islamic world where conflicts are being created. From Palestine and Gaza to Kashmir, many parts of the world are facing turmoil. He emphasized the collective need to work for global peace, mentioning his recent visit to Venice, Italy in this regard.
Recalling history, he said that when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, around 3.5 million Afghans took refuge in Pakistan. Pakistan not only hosted them but also provided opportunities for employment, education, and family life. He lamented that the world has forgotten the sacrifices Pakistan made. He also recalled the resettlement of 2.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Swat, Malakand, and South Waziristan within 90 days during his tenure as Prime Minister — a first in history.
