The federal government notified the formation of a 48-member Area Representative and Development Council (ARDC) to operate across 12 districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This council was established following the imposition of emergency and governor's rule on 11 October under Articles 232 and 234 of the Constitution.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi now holds the executive authority in the province. Parliament held a joint session on 15 October to adopt two resolutions ratifying the presidential proclamations for a two-month period of governance.
President Asif Ali Zardari issued the emergency proclamation under the second proviso to Article 232(1) after receiving advice from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and approval from the federal cabinet. Shaukatullah Khan, a member of the Tarkani tribe from Bajaur district, serves as the chairman of the ARDC.
Malik Khan Marjan of the Wazir tribe from North Waziristan was appointed as the council's vice chairman. The Area Development Secretariat completed the nomination process by consulting with local jirgas.
An 11-member advisory council was also created by the federal government to supervise administrative matters. The federal government ordered the immediate setup of the Area Development Secretariat in 12 districts, including Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, Upper South Waziristan, and Lower South Waziristan.
Members of the ARDC will meet every 15 days to identify development projects based on public demands and ground realities. The council is tasked with reviewing law and order while recommending measures to combat terrorism and illegal activities.
ARDC members will also serve on district coordination committees.
