After years of turmoil and neglect, Lakki Marwat stands on the brink of transformation. Commissioner Bannu Region Khalid Mahmood, a senior official with battle-tested experience from the restive former FATA areas, is spearheading a bold initiative to restore peace, security, and development in this long-overlooked region.

In a powerful display of solidarity and shared purpose, the Commander 55 Brigade, Lakki Marwat, arranged a grand jirga on Thursday at the Lakki Marwat Jirga Hall, bringing together top civil and military officials to discuss pressing challenges and chart a path toward peace and progress.

The event saw the participation of key figures including Major General Mudassar (GOC 40 Division), Commissioner Khalid Mahmood, Deputy Commissioner Lakki Marwat Hameedullah, Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan, Commander 55 Brigadier Ali Haider, District Police Officer Nazir Khan, and leaders from various line departments.

Participants appreciated the joint efforts made by law enforcement agencies, police, and other departments under the leadership of the divisional and district administration, in bringing all key stakeholders together on one platform to resolve disputes and build consensus.

While addressing the gathering, Commissioner Bannu, Mr. Khalid Mahmood, emphasized the importance of utilizing Pashtun cultural mechanisms to develop indigenous solutions for Lakki Marwat's persistent law and order challenges, which have long hindered the district's development. Referring to the presence of representatives from civil society, the administration, military, and police, the Commissioner said:

“It is truly encouraging to see all of you under one roof, putting your heads together to resolve Lakki Marwat's issues once and for all. However, I must highlight the key role played by all departments and stakeholders, under the umbrella of the District Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Hameedullah, in translating these efforts into action.”

He noted that Lakki Marwat, nestled at the edge of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and historically overshadowed by conflict and underdevelopment, is once again grappling with rising law and order concerns.

But this time, the response is not just about checkpoints and crackdowns. It is about listening, inclusion, and rebuilding trust. Commissioner Khalid Mahmood highlighted the exemplary cooperation between civil authorities and law enforcement agencies, stressing the need for continued harmony and collaboration.

He urged all line departments to work with dedication and sincerity, offering his full support to ensure effective service delivery and community welfare around the clock.

Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Ali Haider welcomed the distinguished guests and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between civil administration and security forces to address the region's complex challenges.

He assured that all-out efforts would be extended to the administration to help architect a brighter future for Lakki Marwat, through effective and viable strategies that target the root causes of instability via development-focused initiatives.

Major General Mudassar provided a candid overview of the security environment, acknowledging the internal and external threats confronting the area. Yet, he expressed confidence in the resilience and professionalism of both civil and military formations.

“It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens, a task that requires collective effort and public cooperation,” he said.

He called on all departments to strengthen coordination and work hand-in-hand to enhance public service delivery.

RPO Sajjad Khan, addressing the jirga, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the region but praised the combined efforts of the district administration, provincial government, and local communities.

“Despite the obstacles, our forces have performed exceptionally, and together, we remain committed to fostering lasting peace and prosperity,” he affirmed.

The jirga concluded with a communal lunch and prayers for peace across the nation, reinforcing the shared commitment of all stakeholders to work toward a secure and prosperous future for Lakki Marwat.

This gathering underscored the critical role of unity and cooperation in overcoming challenges and building a foundation for sustainable development. As the region navigates its path forward, such platforms serve as vital forums for dialogue, trust-building, and collective action.

Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Hameedullah, assistant commissioners have taken to the field with renewed vigor, signaling a decisive break from bureaucratic inertia.

A cornerstone of this transformation is a strict“carrot and stick” policy aimed at reviving faltering departments.

At a recent Health Steering Committee meeting, DC Hameedullah zeroed in on one of the most crippling issues; the rampant presence of proxy staff in health facilities. Immediate investigations and strict monitoring protocols have been launched, including a pioneering geo-mapping project to digitally track health workers' attendance and deployment in real time.

“This is accountability in action,” said a senior health official.

“For the first time, we're seeing leadership that demands real results, not excuses.”

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