Authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa initiated a peace process across 12 districts to address regional instability. The federal government imposed an emergency on these 12 districts on 11 October.
Parliament endorsed the emergency during a joint sitting on 15 October. A notification was issued on 17 October to establish a 48-member Area Representatives and Development Council (ARDC).
The ARDC is tasked with starting negotiations with armed groups to facilitate their evacuation from the region. Shaukatullah Khan, Chairman, stated, "The ARDC members will enlist support from jirgas, tribal elders and local people so that armed groups may be convinced to voluntarily evacuate."
The 12 districts involved include Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, Upper South Waziristan and Lower South Waziristan. The council aims to resolve public grievances, development needs, and law and order issues.
Khan added that the ARDC will prioritize development projects in the designated areas.
