Tribal peace accord reached in Kurram

Efforts to resolve longstanding regional issues will follow soon

PARACHINAR:

In a significant development aimed at restoring peace in the troubled Kurram tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), tribal elders have agreed to a one-year ceasefire, referred to locally as the 'Aman Teega' (Peace Pact), between rival tribes. The agreement was reached during a grand Jirga held at the district headquarters in Parachinar under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan.

The Jirga was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Amir Nawaz, Commanding Officer 39-AK Pakistan Army Colonel Ali, Wing Commander 116 Taida Fort Colonel Shahid Jamil, former Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi, former Member of National Assembly (MNA) Haji Malik Fakhar Zaman, and members of the Anjuman-e-Hussainia.

After extensive dialogue and deliberation, the Jirga thoroughly reviewed the security situation in the region. With the mutual consent of all parties involved, a one-year peace accord was signed between the Bushahra, Dandar, Taida, Malikhel, Ahmadzai, Mirbakhil, Shakh, and Shakh Daulat tribes.

Furthermore, it was decided that efforts to resolve longstanding regional issues would begin soon through mutual cooperation among the parties.

Speaking at the Jirga, tribal leaders including Haji Malik Fakhar Zaman, Haji Sajid Hussain Turi, Haji Hamid Hussain, retired IB Director Rahim Gul Bangash, Abid Malyar, Malik Hussain Malikhel and others stressed the importance of maintaining law and order in Kurram.

They underscored the need to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in the district.

"Peace is the foundation for education, prosperity, and development," the elders stated. "We must avoid any irresponsible actions that could jeopardize the fragile calm in the region."

They also emphasized unity, brotherhood, and collective responsibility for ensuring a better future for the younger generation. The speakers called for full cooperation with government authorities and security forces in taking action against elements that threaten the peace.

Residents of Kurram District welcomed the one-year Aman Teega agreement, expressing hope and optimism, and calling it a positive step toward lasting stability in the region.

In April, the second phase of the peace initiative in Kurram saw the complete demolition of all bunkers, paving the way for the next step of collection of weapons. The district administration officials said the operation to remove all bunkers in Kurram had been successfully completed. It stated that indiscriminate action was taken to dismantle the bunkers and ensure that the entire region was cleared. With the bunkers gone, the process of collecting weapons from local groups has now commenced.