Better public service dawns in Behtani stretches of Lakki Marwat

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Apr, 2026) In a decisive break from years of neglect, the district administration of Lakki Marwat extended governance beyond its traditional reach, bringing state institutions directly to communities long defined by physical and administrative isolation.

For decades, the remote stretches of the district.where rugged dirt tracks replace paved roads and access to public services remains uncertain have symbolized neglect, where being heard often required long and difficult journeys.

That narrative was significantly challenged. In an unprecedented demonstration of outreach, a coordinated delegation of civil and security officials, led by Deputy Commissioner Hamidullah Khan, District Police Officer Nazir Khan, and Commander 55 Brigade Brigadier Haider Ali, visited remote settlements of Sub-Division Bhatni, including Shadikhel, Madikhel, Gazgoba, and Masti Khel. For many residents, it was a rare moment when the state did not wait to be approached—it arrived at their doorstep.

By bringing governance directly to these underserved communities, the administration not only addressed immediate concerns but also set a precedent for more responsive and inclusive governance in regions where public confidence has often been weakened by neglect.

The visit, conducted under the directives of the Chief Secretary Shohab Ali Shah and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the District Service Delivery (DSD) and PMRU initiatives, aimed to bridge the persistent gap between governance and geography by improving access to public services.

During open-air “khuli katchahris,” elders, youth, and tribal representatives gathered to present their concerns directly to officials. The discussions were candid and focused, with water shortages, inadequate health facilities, under-resourced schools, and poor road infrastructure dominating the agenda.

Rather than formal applications or delayed correspondence, grievances were addressed in real time, with officials issuing on-the-spot instructions to relevant departments and marking several issues for immediate follow-up.

For many residents, this direct engagement represented a shift from symbolic governance to visible responsiveness.

Beyond civic issues, the delegation also reviewed the security situation in the border region. Police and Levies checkpoints were inspected, and coordination between security forces was assessed in detail. Officials emphasized the need for stronger inter-agency synchronization to ensure stability in this strategically sensitive area.

The message from the leadership was clear that security and service delivery are to be pursued as parallel priorities.

The delegation also visited key public institutions, including schools, health facilities, and the tehsil office, to assess service delivery on the ground rather than through reports alone. Officials interacted directly with staff and residents, gathering feedback on infrastructure gaps, staffing shortages, and operational challenges.

In Masti Khel, the focus shifted toward youth engagement, where a football tournament featuring 16 local teams was inaugurated. The event drew young players from surrounding villages and was presented as more than a sporting activity—it was seen as a platform for constructive engagement in a region where opportunities remain limited. Officials encouraged youth participation and announced a cash prize for the winning team.

Speaking during the visit, officials stressed that sustainable peace and development depend on continuous engagement with communities rather than occasional outreach efforts. sports, public forums, and direct interaction, they noted, serve as tools for development, social cohesion, and resilience against extremism.

For residents of these remote areas, the visit carried a simple but significant message: governance, when delivered in person, becomes tangible rather than abstract.

As the delegation departed, local elders described the day as a positive step toward narrowing long-standing gaps between the state and its most distant communities, while noting that the true test lies in sustained follow-through beyond such visits.

APP/fam