Taliban seek time as Jirga pushes peace

The first round of peace talks between the local Jirga and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) concluded on Friday, with the Taliban side requesting additional time to formulate their response, according to sources close to the negotiation process.

The meeting, held in a bid to defuse rising tensions and restore peace in the conflict-hit region, marked a tentative step toward renewed dialogue between the two sides.

Speaking after the session, Jirga member Dr Khalil said a firm message was delivered to the armed groups during the discussions. "We demanded that they either return to Afghanistan or, if they are adamant about fighting, move away from civilian populations and head towards the mountains," he told reporters.

Following the discussions, the Jirga returned to Bajaur, while the Taliban asked for time until 12 noon on Saturday to give their formal response.

Sources within the Jirga indicated that a second round of talks is expected to be held tomorrow, contingent upon the Taliban's reply.

The talks come amid renewed security concerns in the tribal belt, with local elders pushing for a non-violent resolution and the withdrawal of armed groups from populated areas.

On the other hand, law enforcement agencies launched a crackdown on the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM)'s peace march in Khar, Bajaur on Friday, arresting two key organizers, according to police sources.

Those detained include PTM's provincial coordinator Ghairat Khan and local Bajaur coordinator Sulaiman.

District Police Officer (DPO) Bajaur, Waqas Rafiq, stated that PTM workers were chanting slogans against state institutions during the march. "They were trying to disrupt the ongoing peace Jirga in Bajaur," he claimed.

The arrests were made under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance, the DPO added.

The peace march was reportedly organized in protest against the ongoing security operations in the region.