Kurram Jirga urges lasting peace, cross-border dialogue

PESHAWAR:

The series of regional consultative Jirgas on law and order, hosted by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, concluded on Saturday with the fourth and final gathering held at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar.

The meeting drew a large turnout of tribal elders from Upper, Central, and Lower Kurram, political party representatives, and members of the provincial and national assemblies. It was also attended by the CM’s Adviser on Information and Public Relations Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Senator Noorul Haq Qadri, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, and relevant commissioners, deputy commissioners, and police officials.

Participants lauded the Chief Minister for engaging tribal elders to promote peace and for addressing the Kurram issue through peaceful means. They thanked the provincial government for announcing a special development package for the region, launching helicopter services during crises, and extending full support to the local population.

Acknowledging the CM’s efforts in restoring peace to Kurram, the elders stressed the need to sustain stability. They affirmed that both Sunni and Shia communities stood united for peace and pledged full cooperation with the government.

“Peace is our fundamental need. Where there is peace, there will be development,” they said, reiterating their opposition to all forms of terrorism.

The Jirga recommended forming an empowered body comprising federal and provincial representatives, security agencies, and local elders to hold negotiations with Afghanistan, citing Kurram’s peace situation as closely linked to the neighboring country. They also proposed opening trade routes with Afghanistan to boost employment opportunities for local residents.

It may be recalled that the third consultative sitting in the ongoing series of local Jirgas aimed at restoring normalcy in the merged districts was held on Wednesday with Chief Minister in the chair.

The Jirga brought together tribal elders, political representatives, and members of the provincial and national assemblies from North Waziristan, Upper and Lower South Waziristan, and the tribal subdivisions of Wazir, Bettani, Darazinda, and Jandola.

Participants held detailed deliberations on the prevailing law and order situation and unanimously recommended steps to improve peace and security. They appreciated the Chief Minister’s initiative of engaging tribal elders through Jirgas, affirming that peace remains the foremost priority.

“We want peace and stand united against terrorists and terrorism,” the participants resolved.

The Jirga proposed the formation of a delegation, including federal and provincial government officials, tribal elders, and political leaders, to engage with Afghan authorities for sustainable peace in the region.

Participants stressed that development is only possible through peace and stability, and no progress can be achieved without a secure environment.

Earlier similar meetings were held with tribal elders from Mohmand, Khyber and Bajaur.