Regional jirga calls for peace through negotiation, not displacement
Staff Report
PESHAWAR: Following the All Parties Conference hosted by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a series of regional jirgas aimed at addressing peace and security issues has officially begun. The first of these regional consultative jirgas was held today at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar.
Tribal elders and elected representatives from Khyber and Orakzai districts, as well as from the tribal sub-divisions of Darra Adam Khel and Hassan Khel, participated in the gathering. The jirga was attended by 150 tribal elders and leaders, six members of the provincial assembly, three members of the national assembly, and one senator.
Senior government officials including Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed were present at the event, alongside relevant commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior police officers.
The jirga put forward the following unanimous recommendations:
There is complete unity among all stakeholders in the fight against terrorism and terrorists for the restoration of peace.
Military operations and the displacement of local populations under any circumstances are not acceptable.
Development is linked to peace, and once peace is restored, the pace of development must accelerate.
No one has demanded, received, or will be granted control over any of the province’s resources, including minerals.
The tribal elders recommended that the federal government arrange for a delegation comprising representatives of the provincial government and tribal elders—to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan.
The jirga should be provided with all necessary support and resources to facilitate this process.
It was also announced that the next regional jirga will focus on the Mohmand and Bajaur districts, followed by a third jirga covering North and South Waziristan (Upper and Lower), and the final regional jirga will be held for Kurram district.
After the completion of all regional jirgas, a Grand Jirga will be convened under the leadership of the Chief Minister. Prior to this, influential figures from the tribal areas will be nominated to represent their respective tribes in the Grand Jirga, where they will present proposals and help formulate a comprehensive strategy for the restoration of peace and stability in the region.
