MARDAN: The newly formed Grand Islahi Jirga of Mayar held its oath-taking ceremony at the spacious, lush-green hujra of Naeem Khan Advocate, where the venue was tastefully decorated with banners carrying the names of jirga members, office-bearers and elders.
Four prominent local leaders—former MNA and former Mayor of Mardan Himayatullah Mayar, central ANP leader and former MPA Obaid Khan Mayar, JUI leader and Mohtamim of the main Jamia Masjid Qazi Syed Faqir Shah Bacha, and local PTI leader Abdul Wahid Kaka—were invited as chief guests to administer the oath to the newly elected cabinet members and patrons.
The participation of leaders and elders associated with different political parties and sections of society reflected the jirga’s effort to bring people together despite political differences. The members pledged to work collectively for reconciliation, settlement of disputes, elimination of social evils and drug abuse, promotion of children’s education, assistance to needy families, and protection and proper use of the local graveyard.
Qazi Syed Faqir Shah Bacha administered the oath to the jirga members in the presence of elders and supporters, with the other chief guests joining him on the stage.
Speaking on the occasion, Obaid Khan Mayar said the jirga had recently approached him when his family planned to construct a tomb over the grave of his late uncle. He said he respected the jirga’s decision and urged others to cooperate with it.
Himayatullah Mayar recalled that the first jirga in the area was formed in 1997 and had played a role in resolving disputes and promoting reconciliation. He assured the jirga of his cooperation and called upon the participants to work for the welfare and better future of the people.
The Mayar Welfare Organization, which supports children’s education, needy families and helpless widows on a self-help basis, also announced its cooperation with the jirga.
Jirga Chairman Mufti Fazal Ghani, who also runs Madrasa Mohammadia, Secretary General Nizar Ahmad (Nazim Sahib) and Beaming Behadar Khan highlighted the jirga’s objectives and pledged to work with the people for the elimination of crime, drugs and other social evils.
Host and jirga Legal Committee member Naeem Khan Advocate welcomed the participants and explained the aims and objectives of the initiative. Iftikhar Khan Advocate and Amrad Ali Shah Bacha Advocate were also among the jirga members.
The participants expressed the hope that the Grand Islahi Jirga would provide a common platform for local people to resolve disputes, promote social harmony and work collectively for the welfare of the community.
