Assembly revives push for Afghan dialogue

Lawmakers press for inclusive talks in Islamabad, Kabul and action on peace jirga plan

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has urged the formation of a jirga (council) to engage in dialogue with Afghanistan, aiming to end terrorism and restore peace in the region.

The assembly emphasized that all political parties and tribal representatives should have a voice in these talks, which should be held in both Islamabad and Kabul. Members also called for strict implementation of the recommendations of the K-P Peace Jirga.

The session, presided over by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, began with a prayer for the martyrs of terrorism in the province, following the Speaker's directive. Abdul Salam Khan opened the debate, highlighting what he called a system of oppression in the country. He criticized restrictions on meetings with former Prime Minister Imran Khan despite court orders, citing incidents of violence against his sisters and elected K-P representatives outside Adiala Jail.

Speaker Swati recalled that over the past two months, the assembly had thoroughly discussed the province's law and order situation. A parliamentary committee had conducted briefings with institutions, culminating in the convening of the Peace Jirga, which issued a 15-point declaration reflecting the voice of the five million citizens of K-P.

The Speaker noted that the current treatment of the provincial leadership by the federal government was "unacceptable," urging opposition members to communicate that the widening gap between the province and federal authorities must be addressed.

Opposition Leader Dr Ibad underscored that tensions between the province and the federal government significantly contributed to insecurity, adding that all leaders at the Peace Jirga recognized the need to reduce this friction. He and other members, including Hamayun Khan and Ajmal Khan, stressed that provincial interests, resources, and rights must be protected and that Chief Minister should be allowed to meet Imran Khan. They argued that Khan, a key national leader, should be released from political isolation to support stability in the region. Members also demanded that the jirga's recommendations be fully implemented, that negotiations with Afghanistan include political and tribal representatives from K-P.