After Nazir: 2007 peace accord still intact, says Ahmadzai Wazir tribe
Head of Frontier Region Tank peace militia narrowly escapes blast.
After the killing of Nazir in a drone attack, the Ahmadzai tribe feared that the peace agreement between the government and the group might collapse. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
A 120-member jirga of a peace committee decide on Tuesday to abide by the ‘2007 Peace Agreement’ in Scouts Camp, Wana, after Taliban leader Mullah Nazir was killed in a drone strike last week.
The committee members met at the Jirga Hall at the political agent’s (PA) office.
Addressing the jirga, PA Shahdullah Khan asked the Ahmedzai tribe to abide by the treaty so that peace and development in the region are not compromised. The tribesmen agreed to the notion and said that they will extend their support and cooperation to the government in this regard.
“We will not allow anyone to disrupt peace in Wana,” said Malik Ajmal Khan of Kaka Khel tribe. He requested that security on the Gomal Zam road, which links Wana with DI Khan, should be tightened as travellers are robbed and drivers tortured on this route.
Wana is better than other areas in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas as there is no threat to education and government institutions here, said Malik Muhammad Ali of Tojai Khel adding that ensuring long-lasting peace is the responsibility of both the government and the Ahmedzai tribe.
After Taliban warlord Mullah Nazir was targeted by a suicide bomber on November 28, Mehsud tribes were asked to leave Wana. Later, after the killing of Nazir in a drone attack on January 3, the Ahmadzai tribe feared that the peace agreement between the government and the group might collapse.
The peace agreement, which has been vehemently criticised, was signed in 2007 between the Ahmadzais and the government. The accord is considered vital for maintaining peace in Wana sub-division. It ensures security to government property and machinery and makes the committee responsible for maintaining peace in accordance with tribal traditions. Mullah Nazir was one the main practitioners of the agreement when it was signed in 2007.
Peace committee leader targeted
Head of the peace militia of Frontier Region (FR) Tank, Nasrullah Bhittani narrowly escaped a roadside bomb planted to target his vehicle.
The remote-controlled bomb exploded just after Bhittani’s vehicle passed by it, and he along with his guards escaped unhurt, an official of the political administration said.
Nasrullah Bhittani is a disciple of Turkistan Bhittani, a pro-government militant leader. He has been heading the peace militia in FR Tank for the last three years.
The peace militia was at loggerheads with the Taliban faction headed by Baitullah Mehsud.
Following the incident, Khasadar officials and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the site, while shops in Jandolla Bazaar were also closed down.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2013.
A 120-member jirga of a peace committee decide on Tuesday to abide by the ‘2007 Peace Agreement’ in Scouts Camp, Wana, after Taliban leader Mullah Nazir was killed in a drone strike last week.
The committee members met at the Jirga Hall at the political agent’s (PA) office.
Addressing the jirga, PA Shahdullah Khan asked the Ahmedzai tribe to abide by the treaty so that peace and development in the region are not compromised. The tribesmen agreed to the notion and said that they will extend their support and cooperation to the government in this regard.
“We will not allow anyone to disrupt peace in Wana,” said Malik Ajmal Khan of Kaka Khel tribe. He requested that security on the Gomal Zam road, which links Wana with DI Khan, should be tightened as travellers are robbed and drivers tortured on this route.
Wana is better than other areas in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas as there is no threat to education and government institutions here, said Malik Muhammad Ali of Tojai Khel adding that ensuring long-lasting peace is the responsibility of both the government and the Ahmedzai tribe.
After Taliban warlord Mullah Nazir was targeted by a suicide bomber on November 28, Mehsud tribes were asked to leave Wana. Later, after the killing of Nazir in a drone attack on January 3, the Ahmadzai tribe feared that the peace agreement between the government and the group might collapse.
The peace agreement, which has been vehemently criticised, was signed in 2007 between the Ahmadzais and the government. The accord is considered vital for maintaining peace in Wana sub-division. It ensures security to government property and machinery and makes the committee responsible for maintaining peace in accordance with tribal traditions. Mullah Nazir was one the main practitioners of the agreement when it was signed in 2007.
Peace committee leader targeted
Head of the peace militia of Frontier Region (FR) Tank, Nasrullah Bhittani narrowly escaped a roadside bomb planted to target his vehicle.
The remote-controlled bomb exploded just after Bhittani’s vehicle passed by it, and he along with his guards escaped unhurt, an official of the political administration said.
Nasrullah Bhittani is a disciple of Turkistan Bhittani, a pro-government militant leader. He has been heading the peace militia in FR Tank for the last three years.
The peace militia was at loggerheads with the Taliban faction headed by Baitullah Mehsud.
Following the incident, Khasadar officials and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the site, while shops in Jandolla Bazaar were also closed down.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2013.