KP Begins Selection Process for Regional Development Council Members in 12 Districts

PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN — October 15, 2026: The process of selecting members for a proposed Regional Development Council has begun in 12 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under a new administrative arrangement, with local consultations being conducted through traditional jirgas.

According to a report published by Express Urdu on October 14, the proposed council will comprise 24 members, with two tribal elders or maliks selected from each district. The initiative is intended to improve local representation in administrative and development-related decisions.

The selection process began in North Waziristan, Khyber, Bannu and Tal, with further jirga meetings planned in the remaining districts over the following two days.

Jirga Consultations Begin in Four Areas

Officials said district administrations had supported jirgas and consultation meetings involving tribal elders, maliks, religious scholars, business representatives and other community members.

Participants discussed law and order, security challenges, public concerns and local development priorities. The consultations are intended to identify community representatives and bring local issues to the attention of the relevant authorities.

The selection process is based on mutual consultation, local tribal traditions and the jirga system rather than a conventional public ballot, according to the published report.

The remaining districts are expected to undertake similar consultations before the council’s membership is finalised.

Which 12 Districts Are Included?

The proposed council will represent the following districts and areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

• Bajaur
• Mohmand
• Khyber
• Kurram
• Orakzai
• North Waziristan
• South Waziristan Upper
• South Waziristan Lower
• Dera Ismail Khan
• Tank
• Lakki Marwat
• Bannu

Under the proposed arrangement, each district will contribute two selected representatives, bringing the council’s planned membership to 24.

The selection process is expected to continue through jirgas and consultation meetings until representatives from all 12 districts have been chosen.

Council to Focus on Local Problems and Development

The proposed Regional Development Council is intended to create a channel between local communities and administrative authorities.

Its expected responsibilities include identifying development needs, communicating public concerns to officials, recommending projects based on local priorities and improving coordination between communities and government institutions.

District administrations are assisting with the organisation of jirgas and consultation meetings.

According to the report, participating tribal elders and other representatives expressed their willingness to cooperate with government institutions and security forces in efforts to address local problems and support peace and stability.

However, the council’s eventual effectiveness will depend on its formal mandate, decision-making powers, funding arrangements and ability to influence development planning.

New Administrative Arrangement Follows Emergency Measures

The selection process is taking place amid major administrative changes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the imposition of emergency measures and the suspension of the provincial government in October 2026.

The federal government has cited security concerns and rising militant violence in explaining its intervention. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, whose government had been in power in the province, has disputed the federal government’s position and criticised the move.

The proposed council is intended to provide representation for residents of the 12 districts within the new administrative framework. Its selection through jirgas raises questions about how community representation will operate alongside elected institutions and existing local-government arrangements.

The selection process itself does not establish that all council members have been appointed or that the council has begun exercising its full powers.

What Happens Next?

Officials are expected to continue consultation meetings across the 12 districts before finalising the proposed 24-member council.

The next steps will include completing the selection of representatives and clarifying the council’s administrative role and relationship with government departments.

Further official information about the council’s legal status, authority, budget and oversight arrangements will be important in assessing how it will operate and how local communities can influence development decisions.