All set for grand peace jirga in K-P today

Over 20 political parties, civil society groups to join historic assembly

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will hold the grand peace jirga today (Wednesday) at the provincial assembly, bringing together leaders of more than 20 political parties, tribal elders, lawyers, journalists and members of civil society to deliberate on a unified strategy for restoring lasting peace in the province.

According to officials, all arrangements for the jirga have been finalised. The event is being convened on the recommendation of the K-P Assembly's Special Security Committee, and around 400 participants are expected to attend.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will participate in the jirga, while Speaker Babar Saleem Swati will host the session.

The jirga will be held in two sessions, the first beginning at 10am and continuing until noon, followed by a second session after the Zuhr prayers. At the conclusion, CM Afridi and Speaker Swati will issue a joint declaration outlining the jirga's recommendations.

Speaker Swati, Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah Khan, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and Special Assistant for Information Shafiullah Jan, along with other members of the government and opposition, inspected the assembly hall to review the arrangements.

Representatives from the Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Jamaat-e-Islami, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) have confirmed participation, as have members of the bar councils and civil society organisations.

A special security plan has been put in place, with access restricted to authorised participants carrying special entry passes. A list of about 40 speakers has been prepared, reflecting broad political and social representation.

Shafiullah Jan described the jirga as "the largest peace conference in the province's history", saying it would mark a milestone for sustainable peace in K-P.

"All political leaders, journalists and representatives of various schools of thought will participate in the jirga," he said, adding that joint recommendations and proposals will be formulated to lay the foundation for enduring stability.