Afridi contacts politicians on all-parties jirga

K-P CM initiates political consensus for lasting peace

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has reached out to leaders of various political parties to discuss the province's deteriorating law and order situation, announcing plans to convene an all-parties Jirga under the provincial assembly's in-house committee.

The move aims to foster political consensus and chart a collective strategy to restore peace and stability across the province.

According to official sources, Chief Minister Afridi held a detailed telephone conversation with Senator Aimal Wali Khan, the central president of the Awami National Party (ANP), during which both leaders exchanged views on the prevailing security challenges and measures to strengthen peace.

During the discussion, Afridi invited the ANP chief to participate in the forthcoming All Parties Conference (APC) being organized by the Speaker of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. Senator Aimal Wali Khan responded that his party would decide on participation after internal consultations.

The Chief Minister revealed that he had also contacted other major political leaders, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sirajul Haq, Pakistan Muslim League (N) provincial president Amir Muqam, Qaumi Watan Party chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, and Pakistan Peoples Party's Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha. Each of these discussions, he said, focused on developing a joint political response to the province's security concerns.

Afridi stressed that the establishment of peace was the government's top priority and that there could be "no two opinions" on ensuring the safety of the people. He added that while political differences are a natural part of democracy, peace and stability remain shared objectives that transcend party lines.

The Chief Minister announced that formal invitations for the APC would soon be issued by the provincial assembly's speaker to all political leaders. He reaffirmed his government's commitment to taking all stakeholders on board to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development in K-P.

"Our goal is clear — to bring every political force together for the sake of enduring peace and prosperity," Afridi emphasized.

It may be recalled that on Friday, Speaker of the Babar Saleem Swati, invited Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to participate in the provincial security committee meeting, an invitation the governor accepted.

The invitation was extended during a meeting at the Governor House on Friday. Governor Kundi said that all stakeholders must work together for the province's peace and prosperity, terming the security meeting a positive initiative.

He assured that the Governor House would stand alongside all efforts aimed at addressing provincial issues and safeguarding the rights of the people. Governor Kundi emphasized that collective action was vital for ensuring lasting peace and stability across K-P.