The agency’s tribesmen will try to force the foreign militants out, secure government installations and put an end to attacks carried out on security forces’ convoys. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
PESHAWAR: A heated debate between a 65-member tribal jirga and Peshawar Corps Commander on Friday reached the conclusion that tribal elders will play their role in restoring peace in North Waziristan within 15 days.
The jirga comprising 65 elders of Uthmanzai Wazir and Dawar tribes from North Waziristan, led by Haji Sher Muhammad, the successor of the Faqir of Ipi, met with Corps Commander Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani on Friday to discuss military action in North Waziristan Agency and to convince the military authorities to normalise the situation in the agency and avoid an operation.
Speaking on behalf of the tribesmen, Haji Sher told the gathering that military operation has never been a solution to the problems the agency was facing. “The tribal elders should now be given the opportunity to restore peace,” he added.
Haji Sher claimed the jirga he was leading has clout and the agency’s tribesmen will try to force the foreign militants out, secure government installations and put an end to attacks carried out on security forces’ convoys.
“If we fail to do so, the government can go forward and launch a military operation in North Waziristan,” the elder added.
Corps Commander Rabbani said the elders had 15 days to normalise the situation and that after the passage of this time, the elders would report their progress to the general officer commanding (GOC) of North Waziristan, who will then decide the future course of action accordingly.
“The tribesmen in Fata have always been loyal to the soil of the country and even now they will play their role in the restoration of peace and elimination of militancy,” said Rabbani.
COMMENTS (10)
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such action was over due.....why did it take so long for the authorities to put pressure on the people of NWA which forced them to agree in kicking out the outlaws from amongst them....sanity has prevailed and pray to Allah swt that this time peace is restored in the region....
Why Gen Kiyani did not agree to similar step in the past....?
These tribal elders are nothing but apologists for the Taliban. So, please, do not waste time in taking a military action. Some understand only one language.
If restoring peace means seizing all criminal activities, adopting legal means of earning livelihood , sending their children to schools and respecting writ of the state, then all help should be provided to these people. If their intention is to buy time, then giving them 15 days period means that authorities themselves are not interested in any operation.
Pak Army kill them all. Do not pay any attention to these baseless opinions. Why these tribes didn't expel talibans when they were doing terrorism in Pakistan.
Pak army do not fall into the trap again of such tactics to protect talibans. Stay abreast to eradicate them from motherland. Operation is the best way out.
This IS IT! We are on the RIGHT path! We WILL WIN! We must believe in the idea of Pakistan! We must accept it if we are wrong, because it is GOOD for us to LEARN and GROW. It is best for ourselves, it's whats best for OUR nation! The hopelessness amongst our nation will slowly fade, we can do it.
No talks. Only massive operation is the solution. Rest all tried, tested and failed.
Seems operation proved fruitful so far and pushed these stubborn people back. Well done army. Do not spare them.
Please Pak Army and local popluation join hands to kick the terrorists out,
Then have a referendum to become a full part of Pakistan with Pakistani laws, have a police force, courts, power stations, schools, roads, hospitals,
This madness has gone on long enough.
Fair enough, These foreigners have no right to live illegally in Pakistan. No country allows that to happen. The time when they were useful have gone, so now move on.