PM Shehbaz restores admission quota for tribal students in medical colleges, engineering universities

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed a delegation of tribal elders from the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Prime Minister House on Thursday. 

The delegation, led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, participated in a Jirga to discuss peace, development and administrative challenges facing the region.

In a key announcement, the Prime Minister declared the restoration of educational quotas for students from the merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities. The tribal elders warmly welcomed the decision and expressed gratitude for the government's continued support.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was pleased to host representatives from a region with rich traditions and a proud history. “The tribal people have made immense sacrifices for the peace and security of Pakistan,” he remarked. He reaffirmed that ensuring law and order in the merged areas is among the government’s top priorities.

The prime minister paid tribute to the armed forces, police, and other law enforcement personnel for their bravery in fighting terrorism, and urged unity among all communities to make Pakistan a haven of peace.

Highlighting the government's commitment to the socio-economic uplift of the region, the Prime Minister said that the federal government is investing heavily in education, healthcare, skills training, and employment opportunities for the youth of the merged districts. He noted that substantial funds have been allocated in the current development budget for improving infrastructure, including the FATA University and police facilities.

He also directed an expansion in the scope of the federal committee working on the issues of merged districts, chaired by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr Amir Muqam. The committee will now include representation from tribal elders to ensure inclusive decision-making.

The tribal delegation appreciated the restoration of educational quotas, inclusion in the federal committee, and overall developmental initiatives. They also commended the armed forces for their bold and strategic response to recent tensions with India.

The Prime Minister assured the elders that such consultative sessions would be held regularly to ensure that the voices of the tribal people are heard and addressed effectively.

Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Sardar Owais Ahmad Leghari, Ahad Khan Cheema, Engr Amir Muqam, and other key government officials including KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and advisors Parvez Khattak and Dr. Tauqir Shah also attended the meeting.