Jirga demands 40-day truce between govt, TTP

The Fata Qaumi Jirga (FQJ) has demanded that the Government of Pakistan and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announce an unconditional ceasefire during the holy month of Ramazan and Eidul Fitr, saying the truce should continue at least for 40 days.

A jirga titled “Fata Amn Ghawari Jirga” was organised by FQJ at the Peshawar Press Club.
The FQJ proposed to hold meetings in all tribal districts with a purpose to promote peace.  The jirga said it wanted to convey a traditional message to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to extend “serious cooperation” in negotiations between the Pakistani government and TTP.

The FQJ maintained that it was ready to play its role to end the deadlock in talks between the Pakistani government and TTP.

The jirga further said that it was deeply saddened over the deaths which occurred as a result of violent incidents either in tribal districts or in Afghanistan.

It demanded that the Pakistan government and TTP announce an unconditional ceasefire during Ramazan and Eidul Fitr, saying the truce should extend for at least 40 days.

Earlier this week, the Foreign Office said elements of banned terrorist groups in the border region, including the TTP, continued to attack Pakistan’s border security posts, resulting into martyrdom of several Pakistani troops.

On April 14 as well, seven Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred in North Waziristan district by terrorists operating from Afghanistan, the FO added.