Merged Areas Reforms Support (MARS) Activity

The Merged Areas Reforms Support (MARS) Activity is a five-year project aimed at providing technical assistance to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP) in Pakistan. The project will focus on the legal integration of the newly merged areas, planning and delivery of development initiatives, and strengthening local government systems and structures. The project is expected to be a $15 million award, and the selected awardee will be required to register their organization to operate in Pakistan and obtain the necessary No Objection Certificate. Key aspects of the project include: • Providing technical assistance to the GoKP on laws, policies, and strategies required for the legal integration of the merged areas • Planning, designing, and delivery of development initiatives under the Tribal Decade Strategy (TDS) • Strengthening local government systems and structures in the merged areas • Introducing and strengthening the new local government tier in the merged areas • Building the capacities of local administration and elected representatives in development planning, budgeting, and administrative affairs