Attack on peacemaker: Jirga repeals unusual warning

SWAT:

The Swat Qaumi Jirga on Sunday repealed its decision to boycott Independence Day celebrations after holding successful dialogues with army officials.

The jirga had earlier issued the unusual warning after one of its key member, Haji Zahid Khan, who is also the president of Swat Hotel Association, was critically injured in a targeted attack.

During the meeting, the jirga members expressed concern over the large number of target killings in Swat during the past three years and demanded early arrest of those involved in the attacks.

Army officials lauded role of the jirga in establishing peace in Swat and assured that the all those involved in the attacks will be arrestedArmy officials lauded role of the jirga in establishing peace in Swat  very soon.

The jirga members who participated in the meeting included Abdul Qahar Khan, Ziaudin Yousafzai, Shersha Khan, Abdul Khaliq Khan, Haji Rasool Khan, Khawaja Khan, Fazal Ahad,  and Akhtar Khan, whereas Brigadier Sajjad  Ahmad represented the army delegation.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 13^th, 2012.