ISLAMABAD: The federal government has ordered the establishment of Area Development Secretariats in 11 designated districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), aiming to strengthen peace, security, governance and development in the region.
According to a notification issued on October 11, the secretariats will be established in Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan and South Waziristan.
The Area Development Secretariats will operate under the supervision of Area Representatives and Development Councils, which will comprise prominent personalities from the designated districts.
Additional Chief Secretary to Head Secretariats
According to the notification, each secretariat will be headed by an Additional Chief Secretary, who will also serve as the administrator of the designated districts.
Officers and personnel posted in these districts will fall under the administrative control of the secretariats.
The notification states that the Development Councils will be headed by chairpersons, while chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, spokespersons and council members will be appointed for specified terms.
Administrators Granted Wide-Ranging Powers
Under the new arrangements, administrators will exercise the administrative and legal powers of the provincial government in the designated districts, including authority over governance, security, development and institutional oversight.
Administrators will also be authorised to issue necessary instructions to the civil administration, police and military officials to coordinate security measures and improve administrative effectiveness.
The notification further states that appointments and transfers in the designated districts will be ordered by the prime minister on the recommendations of the relevant administrator.
Authority Over Funds and Public Services
The administrators will have the authority to issue orders concerning the operational and administrative affairs of the Area Development Secretariats, as well as the allocation and transfer of funds.
Coordination with the armed forces and provincial institutions will be undertaken to improve security arrangements. The notification also allows for the restructuring of departments to strengthen public safety and ensure the delivery of essential services.
According to the order, directives issued by administrators will carry the legal authority vested in the provincial government.
Immediate Implementation
The notification states that certain specified constitutional provisions and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Rules of Business will not apply to the designated districts under the new arrangement.
