The federal government has directed that Area Development Secretariats be set up in 11 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with the stated aim of tightening security, improving governance and boosting development. An official notification says the offices must be created without delay.
The districts named are Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan and South Waziristan. The notification says the goal is to restore peace and deliver better administration across these areas.
How the secretariats will be run
The secretariats will function under an Area Representative and Development Council made up of prominent figures from the districts. The council will be led by a chairman, while its vice chairman, spokesperson and members will serve fixed terms, the notification said.
An additional chief secretary will head each secretariat and also act as administrator of the districts. All officers and staff posted in these districts will come under the secretariats’ administrative control, and the prime minister will approve further postings and transfers on the administrator’s recommendation.
Powers given to the administrator
The administrator will hold the full administrative and legal powers of the provincial government in the districts, covering governance, security, development and the oversight of institutions. He can also issue instructions to the civil administration, police and military authorities.
The administrator will also oversee the day-to-day running of the secretariats and decide how funds are allocated and moved. Orders issued by the administrator will carry the same legal weight as those of the provincial government, the notification states.
Security is to be improved through coordination with the armed forces and provincial institutions, and departments may be reorganised to protect public safety and keep essential services running. The notification also states that certain constitutional provisions and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rules of Business will not apply in the designated districts, and that the order takes effect immediately.
