Peaceful ways: Mohmand jirga promises support to security forces

Join hands to reconstruct schools, open Pak-Afghan border in Gorsal.

GHALLANAI: Tribal elders at a Grand Jirga in Sangar, Mohmand promised to support security forces. The elders said on Sunday they would join hands with the security forces to reconstruct schools and open the Pak-Afghan border in Gorsal to resume trade between the two countries.

The jirga was attended by tribal elders of Wali Baig, Hamza Khel and Kadai and was headed by the peace committee leader of the Haleemzai tribe, Malik Muhammad Ali Haleemzai. In his speech, Haleemzai said peace should be restored in Pakistan and Afghanistan so educational and health institutions in Fata can be reopened.

“We are supporting the security forces and hope they will never violate tribal customs during the operation.” Elders present at the jirga demanded the border be opened as it is necessary for the welfare of the agency. The border in Gorsal, Mohmand Agency has been closed since 2011, causing business in the agency to suffer.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2015.