Kundi urges unity at Pashtun jirga

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has emphasised the need for unity based on reasoning to resolve issues with the federal government and secure their rights. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the Pashtun people and the region in the war against terrorism, noting that PPP has always advocated for provincial rights through reasoned debate in the assembly.

He praised the peaceful gathering of the Pashtun community to address their issues through dialogue.

Kundi stated this as he attended the ongoing Pashtun Jirga in Khyber.

In the special pavilion set up for the guests, he met with Pashtun elders from various regions of the country, including the head of PTM, Manzoor Pashteen.

The governor offered Maghrib prayers alongside tribal elders in the pavilion, after which he addressed the participants of the Jirga from the central stage.

At the event, Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) provincial president Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha and member of the provincial assembly, Ahmad Karim Kundi, also delivered speeches. They were accompanied by the provincial deputy general secretary of PPP, Abrar Saeed Swati, and provincial coordination secretary, Farzand Ali Wazir.

The governor also mentioned that the PPP is the only party in the country that has made the most sacrifices for peace, having lost its leadership and still raising the slogan of "Pakistan Khappe" (Pakistan should survive). He also highlighted the sacrifices of Pakistani citizens, the military, and police officers, stating that their efforts are not hidden from anyone.

He further stressed the importance of thwarting the plans of the enemies of the nation, ensuring that the sacrifices made for peace in the country and the region are not in vain. He expressed his belief that by staying united, they would be able to secure their rights from the federal government.

He concluded by stating that the biggest issue facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is terrorism, and it is essential to come together to combat it.

He highlighted the army's sacrifices over the past 24 years in dealing with the scourge of terrorism, and expressed the strong resolve of the Pashtun people to stand shoulder to shoulder with the military in eliminating terrorists and their facilitators, to bring peace, security, and prosperity to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

He emphasized that the sacrifices of the military and the Pashtun people should not go to waste.

Meanwhile, the Awami National Party (ANP) presented its 14-point suggestions at the gathering. The party urged rejection of all forms of violence. "All violent organisations and their centers, whether in Punjab or elsewhere, must be dismantled," the suggestions read. They also advocated for good public governance and the transfer of power to civilian institutions in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The party urged the protection of Rights for all citizens.

On Friday, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur Chief Minister 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.

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