The National Assembly Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON convened on Tuesday at Parliament House in Islamabad, chaired by MNA Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhry. The session confirmed the minutes of its July 10th meeting and examined the federal government”s current authority in formerly Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) after their merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The committee discussed the formation of Jirgas and committees and evaluated the Department of Mineral Resources in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ and K). Members were informed that the 25th Constitutional Amendment of 2018 integrated FATA into KP, placing it under the Pakistani Constitution”s purview. The Peshawar High Court now holds judicial power, while the KP government manages governance, including law enforcement, administration, and justice systems.

Although Jirgas remain culturally relevant, they hold no legal standing under the Constitution. Dispute resolution is now handled through provincial systems like Saliseen Panels under the KP Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2020. The federal government now plays a consultative and supporting role, focusing on collaboration, policy assistance, and capacity development.

The committee also received a briefing on the AJ and K Department of Mineral Resources, established in 2002 and reorganized in 2021. The department operates under a legal and regulatory structure overseeing mineral exploration, licensing, mine safety, and geological surveys. AJ and K possesses substantial mineral reserves, including granite, marble, ruby, and coal, along with minor minerals such as sand and gravel.

Mining concessions are awarded via direct leasing and competitive bidding. Managing 145 mineral titles, the department promotes sustainable mining, transparency, and inclusive economic growth. The committee commended the department”s work and requested details on leasing procedures and the recipients of leases in AJ and K. It reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the people of Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the merged tribal districts.

The committee emphasized efficient and transparent implementation of post-merger reforms in ex-FATA and advised briefing local MNAs on the Prime Minister”s committee”s mandate. This includes revitalizing the jirga system and bolstering civil administration to restore public confidence.