Jirga demands end to border hostilities

PESHAWAR:

In an effort to reduce tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, a jirga called on both countries to immediately cease hostilities and adopt dialogue as the primary path forward. The jirga emphasized that both nations must prevent their territories from being used against each other.

The jirga was organized under the auspices of Aspire Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the National Reform Movement. Former chief secretary Arbab Shahzad Khan hosted the gathering. Representatives of various political parties, religious scholars, members of the business community and media personnel participated in the jirga.

After the jirga, while briefing the media, Arbab Shahzad and former K-P governor Shaukatullah Khan stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan share Islamic, cultural, traditional, and social values.

The jirga demanded that both countries immediately implement a ceasefire to reduce tension and stress. It further urged both nations to ensure that their soil is not used against one another.

They stressed that all differences and disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, which should be the top priority, as war is not a solution to any problem. Lasting peace, they said, can only be achieved through mutual respect and understanding.

They also recommended establishing a joint and permanent platform for continuous engagement, making it easier to understand each other's positions, circumstances, and constraints.

Finally, the jirga called for strong efforts through meaningful citizen diplomacy in both countries to achieve peace.