Gandapur orders 'all facilities' for jirga

Negotiations with proscribed PTM to go ahead as planned

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur Chief Minister has directed the administration to take immediate steps to provide all necessary facilities for the jirga which is being held for negotiations with the proscribed Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM).

He said that that water, temporary washrooms, lighting, medical camps, and other essential facilities must be provided on a priority basis. Gandapur further ordered that 5,000 blankets be provided for the Jirga participants.

On Friday, he paid a visit to the site of aman jirga being organised in Khyber district to take stock of security and other arrangements.

Provincial government representatives, senior officials of the relevant divisional, administration and police officers were also present on this occasion. The CM was briefed about security and other measures that had been taken for the gathering.

Those present took selfies and expressed pleasure over the visit of chief minister, a statement from Gandapur's secretariat said.

Advisor for Information and Public Relations Barrister Dr Saif stated that on Thursday night, the CM raised the flag of peace and, along with a government delegation, visited Jamrud, where successful negotiations were held.

This delegation was formed at the Chief Minister's House, during which he was given full authority to ensure peace and security in the province and to protect the lives and property of the people. Leaders from all political parties also participated in the gathering.

Barrister Dr Saif mentioned that the CM's top priority is to establish peace and order in the province. To achieve this, the government delegation held successful late-night negotiations with the representative delegation of the Jamrud Jirga, where it was agreed to resolve issues and maintain peace through mutual understanding.

During the negotiations, it was decided that there would be no slogans against the state of Pakistan, the constitution, or the Pakistan Army, nor would the flag of any other country be raised. The discussions in the jirga would focus solely on local issues and public matters.

Dr Saif added that this jirga would be held under the supervision of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government, and all arrangements, including food and drink for the participants, would be provided by it. He further said that would present the jirga's demands to the federal government.

he clarified that the ban on the organisation was imposed by the federal government, and only the federal government or the Supreme Court has the authority to lift it. The provincial government does not have this power.

"The CM is taking all possible steps to establish peace and is ready to engage in dialogue with all parties involved."

Also, Aimal Wali Khan, the central president of the Awami National Party (ANP), announced his participation in the ongoing Pashtun Jirga in Khyber district. He stated that by attending the jirga, he would advocate for the Pashtun community, and the gathering will present its united demands to the state.

While addressing a press conference in Wali Bagh, Charsadda, Aimal Wali Khan remarked that in Pakistan, only 10% of terrorists use weapons, while 80% are mental terrorists.

Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has also announced that he will be part of the negotiations.