Jirga urges army action to fight terror

Fazl suggests all-party moot to establish a united front

PESHAWAR:

A grand Jirga comprising representatives from all political parties, convened at the request of Jamiat Ulemae-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) head Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Friday, expressed deep concern over the slow progress in countering terrorism in the country. 

The Jirga called for an all-party conference to establish a united front against terrorism and demanded a decisive military operation to restore peace in the region. Maulana Fazl, briefing journalists after the Jirga in Peshawar, asserted that the upcoming general elections would be held on time, and the caretaker government would oversee the electoral process.

The Jirga was called in the aftermath of the tragic Bajaur attack during a JUI-F convention, and all political parties and tribal elders were invited to participate. While each participant presented their analysis of the current terrorism situation, Maulana Fazl emphasized the need for a consensus on the end result to present a unified front.

He called for bringing those responsible for terrorism and loss of innocent lives to justice. The Jirga demanded effective measures to improve law and order in the tribal districts and across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

It urged the federal government to fulfill its promises of addressing the deprivation faced by the tribal communities and bringing the tribal belt at par with the rest of the country. Maulana Fazl stressed that terrorism poses a threat to Pakistan’s unity and should not be tolerated under any circumstances. He reaffirmed that JUI-F’s history is marked by sacrifices and their resolve to combat terrorism remains unshaken.

The party shura (council) will convene to further discuss the matter in detail and attempt to achieve consensus with all political parties on the issue of terrorism, Fazl informed reporters. He also demanded stringent action against those involved in the May 9 attacks on security installations.

Despite contesting the 2018 general elections independently, JUI-F later united with other political parties for the greater good of Pakistan. The Jirga concluded with a call for swift action against terrorism and a united effort to protect the country’s unity and security.