By The South Asia Times

LAKKI MARWAT - After years of turmoil and neglect, Lakki Marwat stands on the brink of transformation, the Commissioner Bannu region Khalid Mahmood — an senior official with battle-tested experiences from the restive earstwhile FATA— 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 in the region.

The event saw the participation of key figures including Major General Mudassar (GOC 40 Division), Commissioner Khalid Mahmood of Bannu, 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.

The participants appricated the joint efforts put by LEAs, Police, all other line departments, under the umbrella of Divisional and District Administration, in bringing together all key stakeholders on a single platform to resolve disputes and build consensus.

While addressing the Participants, Commissioner Bannu, Mr, Khalid Mehmood emphasized using the Pashtoon cultural mechanism 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 stakeholders 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 District Administration, lead by Deputy Commissioner Hameedullah, in translating these efforts into actions.”

He said that 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 isn’t just about checkpoints and crackdowns. It's 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, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts between civil administration and security forces to address the region’s complex challenges.

He assured all out efforts would be provided to the administration for architecting a bright future for Lakki Marwat through such effective and viable strategies which he hoped would address root causes of the law and order situation through development initiatives.

Major General Mudassar provided a candid overview of the security environment, recognizing 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 also addressed 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 DC Hameedullah, assistant commissioners have taken to the field with renewed vigor, signaling a decisive break from bureaucratic inertia.

A cornerstone of this transformation is the 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.”