WANA: In a significant step towards addressing water scarcity and accelerating regional development, the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe held a major tribal jirga on Friday in Wana, expressing full support for the timely and transparent construction of five government-approved check dams in Tehsil Birmal.
Organised under the banner of the Wana Welfare Association (WAWA), the jirga was held at the District Press Club Wana and drew a large and diverse gathering of tribal elders, religious scholars, legal experts, political figures, civil society members, and business leaders.
Among the notable attendees were Malik Tariq Khan, Malik Jamil, Malik Saifullah, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Saifur Rehman Wazir, and Maulana Mehmood Alam Wazir—all of whom voiced strong support for the project.
Participants unanimously vowed to prevent any obstruction to the dam construction, affirming that:
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No pressure for commissions on contractors would be tolerated,
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No undue interference in the project’s execution would be allowed, and
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Full protection would be ensured for engineers and laborers working at the sites.
Rs. 1 Billion Project Backed by Tribal Consensus
Addressing the jirga, WAWA President Rehmatullah Wazir shared comprehensive details about the initiative, revealing that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, under the direct supervision of Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, had allocated Rs. 1 billion for the project. He confirmed that construction would commence soon, with a focus on transparency, quality, and sustainability.
Rehmatullah emphasized the urgency of the dams, citing the rapidly depleting groundwater levels in South Waziristan—a crisis affecting not only agriculture but also daily access to drinking water. He also revealed that WAWA’s research had identified 46 additional potential sites for future dam construction in Wana, which have been added to long-term development plans.
Local Support and Community Commitment
Speakers at the jirga praised WAWA’s ongoing contributions to the region, calling it a trusted and effective organization for grassroots development.
“We will extend full cooperation to WAWA and will not allow any hurdles in the way of these projects,” said one tribal elder. “These initiatives will generate employment for our youth and bring long-awaited progress to our region.”
Participants also acknowledged WAWA’s past achievements in social and welfare development, noting that the organization had consistently addressed local issues through practical and impactful initiatives.
Far from being symbolic, the jirga served as a powerful expression of tribal unity and commitment to progress. It sent a clear message: the people of South Waziristan are not only demanding change—they are prepared to lead it.
In his closing remarks, Rehmatullah Wazir said:
“It is our collective dream to see South Waziristan emerge as a prosperous and self-reliant region. Turning that dream into reality will require unity and joint effort—and we are ready.”
