Bajaur, Mohmand elders reject operations

The second session of regional consultative Jirgas on law and order, initiated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, was held on Monday at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar.

The meeting saw active participation from elders and elected representatives of Bajaur and Mohmand districts.

The high-level session was also attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Senator Noorul Haq Qadri, the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, as well as commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior police officials.

Participants held detailed deliberations on the worsening law and order situation and presented several key recommendations. Stressing their unwavering commitment to peace, they declared: "We want peace and call upon the government to ensure it. We are ready to fully cooperate. Terrorism is the enemy of all, and we stand united against it."

The Jirga unanimously rejected proposals for military operations and displacement, deeming them unacceptable. Instead, they recommended the formation of a broad-based and empowered Jirga, comprising federal and provincial representatives, tribal elders, and other key stakeholders, to initiate meaningful dialogue with the Afghan government and people for long-term peace.

Participants welcomed the initiative of local Jirgas, calling it a positive step and urged its expansion and effectiveness to benefit other conflict-affected regions.

It may be recalled that following the All Parties Conference (APC) convened by Chief Minister last month, the provincial government has officially launched a series of regional Jirgas aimed at addressing the pressing issues of peace, security, and development in the merged tribal districts of the province.

The first of these regional consultative Jirgas was held on Saturday at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar. The gathering brought together a diverse array of participants from the Khyber and Orakzai districts, as well as from the tribal sub-divisions of Darra Adam Khel and Hassan Khel. In total, more than 150 tribal elders and community leaders were present, in addition to six members of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, three members of the National Assembly, and one senator.

Senior provincial officials, including Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, also participated in the Jirga. They were joined by commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior police officers from the concerned districts.

In a unanimous declaration, the Jirga participants put forth key recommendations to guide the province's future strategy in the tribal belt.