Peace Jirga’s declaration will later be presented to federal government, security institutions, Apex Committee
Jirga at Tirah villay. P:hoto: Express
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government on Wednesday convened a large-scale Peace Jirga at the provincial assembly to deliberate on restoring stability amid a resurgence of terrorism in the region.
Special security arrangements were made around the assembly building, with entry restricted to participants holding official passes. Around 400 seats were arranged for guests, including representatives from 20 political parties, religious leaders, tribal elders, and parliamentarians.
The Peace Jirga’s declaration will later be presented to the federal government, security institutions, and the Apex Committee.
K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed issued directives to regional and district police officers to reassess security across the province following the new wave of terrorist activity. Orders were given to strengthen security at sensitive locations, judicial complexes, high courts, educational institutions, and police training centres, and to set up additional check posts at entry and exit points.
Read: Around 400 K-P political, civil leaders set to convene historic peace jirga today
Speaker of the K-P Assembly Babar Saleem Swati, upon his arrival, was presented with a guard of honour. Speaking to the media, he said that all invited political parties had agreed to participate in the jirga and expressed confidence that the peace initiative would be successful.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Speaker Asad Qaiser emphasised that “peace stands above politics” and called for a unified national policy. He said that issues with Afghanistan should be addressed with patience and diplomacy, adding, “There can be no peace in Afghanistan without peace in Pakistan, and vice versa.”
Opposition Leader Obaidullah welcomed the initiative, saying this was the first time such a forum had been convened. He clarified, however, that “there can be no negotiations with terrorists,” stressing that those responsible for atrocities against civilians deserved no pardon.
Senior politician Junaid Akbar confirmed that all political parties had accepted the invitation, condemning recent violent incidents and hinting that “hidden hands” were behind them.
Prominent political figures, including Qaumi Watan Party leaders Aftab Sherpao and Sikandar Sherpao, former Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, and current Chief Minister Suhail Khan Afridi, also attended the session. The chief minister was presented with a guard of honour upon arrival.
Adviser to the chief minister on information, Shafi Jan, described the gathering as a “historic day” for the province, marking the first time that peace had been formally discussed from the platform of the provincial assembly. He said the recommendations from the jirga would be presented by the chief minister to key stakeholders for implementation.
The jirga is being held in two sessions — the first session began at 10am and will continue until noon, followed by the second session after the Zuhr prayers. At the conclusion, Chief Minister Afridi and Speaker Swati will issue a joint declaration outlining the jirga’s recommendations.
Representatives from the Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Jamaat-e-Islami, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP), and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) have confirmed participation, as have members of the bar councils and civil society organisations.
Shafiullah Jan described the jirga as “the largest peace conference in the province’s history,” saying it would mark a milestone for sustainable peace in K-P.
“All political leaders, journalists and representatives of various schools of thought will participate in the jirga,” he said, adding that joint recommendations and proposals will be formulated to lay the foundation for enduring stability.
