K-P to hold Jirga on counter-terror strategy

All former CMs, governors, political leaders to join hands for sustainable peace in the province

PESHAWAR:

In a major political and administrative move to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace in the province, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to convene a Grand Peace Jirga comprising former chief ministers, governors, political leaders from all parties, religious scholars, tribal elders, civil society representatives, and members of the legal fraternity.

The Jirga will aim to develop a unified and actionable strategy to counter terrorism and ensure enduring peace in the region.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting of senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership held at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar. The meeting was chaired by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and attended by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Provincial President Junaid Akbar, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, and other senior party leaders.

The participants reviewed in detail the overall law and order situation in the province, with particular focus on the recent bomb blast in Hangu, which claimed the lives of several police personnel. At the outset, the meeting offered fateha and prayers for the martyred policemen and expressed deep condolences to their bereaved families.

The leadership expressed grave concern over the rising incidents of terrorism in different parts of K-P and emphasized the need for a collective response to address the challenges of terrorism and extremism. The participants unanimously agreed that the peace and security of the province demand not only political will but also social and tribal cooperation on a broad scale.

It was therefore decided that a Grand Peace Jirga would soon be convened in the K-P Assembly.

This Jirga will bring together all key stakeholders, political parties, former government heads, religious figures, tribal elders, lawyers, and representatives of civil society, to chalk out a comprehensive and consensus-based framework for restoring peace and stability.

Chief Minister Afridi reiterated his government's unwavering commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with the K-P police, who have rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. "Our police force is the frontline defense against terrorism, and their courage and sacrifices are the pride of the province," he said.

The chief minister further assured that the provincial government would continue to extend full support to the police by providing modern equipment, advanced professional training, and all necessary resources to enhance their operational capacity.

"Strengthening our police is our foremost priority, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated," he added.

Participants of the meeting echoed the view that lasting peace in K-P requires unity among all political and social segments, coupled with strong institutional coordination. They expressed hope that the upcoming peace Jirga would serve as a historic step toward building a joint front against terrorism and ensuring a peaceful and secure future for the people of the province.