Developing NMDs

The newly-merged districts (NMDs) of the ex-FATA area have lengthy suffered marginalisation and deprivation on account of a long time of militancy and battle. Their merger into Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was anticipated to uplift the area and enhance its connectivity with the remainder of the nation. Nevertheless, 5 years later, NMDs are nonetheless lagging in growth and unable to facilitate the locals. Provincial and federal management modified twice throughout this time, however neither of the governments paid any consideration to NMDs. Due to this fact, the Interim Chief Minister’s emphasis on enhanced cooperation with the United Nations Growth Programme (UNDP) is a step in the fitting route.

The CM additionally mentioned varied public welfare programmes together with potential collaboration between the provincial authorities and UNDP throughout completely different social sectors with UNDP’s resident consultant. As at all times, the foremost factor is to make sure that these directives and initiatives don’t fall by with modifications within the authorities. Many areas in Pakistan are lagging in growth right this moment on account of political tussles. Political leaders must look past their self-interests and make sure that their actions serve extra objective than simply good optics. Apart from, the tasks and partnerships ought to be clear and monitored by related authorities departments to keep away from corruption, delays and different administrative points.

Crucially, the local people together with retailers, educationists and others ought to be introduced on as stakeholders in several tasks. They will supply a greater perspective on the wants and calls for of the completely different districts, which might then be utilised to create focused approaches and programmes. It’s excessive time that the underdeveloped areas of the nation acquired their due share as a substitute of being handled as pariahs. In any other case, the neglect and marginalisation will gas resentment and lift a bunch of social and political challenges for the nation.

Printed in The Categorical Tribune, September 9^th, 2023.

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