After securing jirga’s trust, KP CM makes peace overtures

PESHAWAR: Following days of tension and subsequent killing of four members of the banned Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and leaders of all the political parties on Thursday agreed to resolve the ongoing crisis through dialogue and empowered Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur to initiate a peace process with the PTM leadership.

The decision was made at a grand jirga that the chief minister hosted at the Chief Minister’s House here Thursday, where Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi represented the federal government. He assured the provincial government of all possible legal assistance for resolving the dispute within the parameters of the Constitution.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and other senior political leaders of different political parties, including Awami National Party’s central president Aimal Wali Khan and the party provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Federal Minister and PMLN Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Engineer Amir Muqam Khan, Qaumi Watan Party’s Sikandar Sherpao, Mohsin Dawar, Pakistan Peoples Party’s Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha, leader of the opposition Dr Ibad, as well as members of the national and provincial assembly from various political parties, were in attendance, showcasing a united front for the province.

The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Peshawar and its adjoining Khyber tribal district, had become quite tense after the police raid on PTM camp in Regi Lalma and firing of tear gas shells and shooting on their activists. Four PTM members lost their lives and over two dozen others were injured in the police crackdown and firing on Wednesday. It prompted the government to convene a grand jirga to resolve the crisis.

It was a great success for the government as the first time a diverse group of political leaders and parliamentarians sat together to address the urgent issues of peace and security in the province. The grand jirga aimed to foster dialogue and collaboration across political lines for the betterment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In his inaugural address, the chief minister expressed gratitude to all participants for attending the jirga at his invitation. “I am thankful to all the parliamentarians and political leaders for putting trust in me to lead this jirga,” he stated.

Highlighting the purpose of the gathering, Gandapur remarked, “Today, we have set aside our political affiliations and are united for the cause of peace in the province.” He reaffirmed that protecting the lives and property of all citizens, whether from the general public or security forces, remains the government’s top priority. “Our commitment to their safety is unwavering,” he added.

“I hope that through this jirga, we will find a peaceful resolution to the challenges we face,” the chief minister emphasized. “The solution to any problem is not through conflict or violence, but through dialogue.”

Gandapur underscored the significance of convening the jirga following Pashtun traditions, ensuring that the views and suggestions of all the participating political leaders will be respected. “This is a forum for collaboration and understanding where every voice matters,” he noted.

Sources said the jirga progresses, it marks a significant step toward fostering dialogue and unity across political lines, essential for ensuring lasting peace and stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The provincial government remains committed to engaging with the public and addressing their concerns through constructive discussions and collaborative efforts. The Jirga’s outcome is anticipated to pave the way for a harmonious approach to resolving the pressing issues facing the province, reaffirming the leadership’s dedication to a peaceful and prosperous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Soon after the jirga meeting, according to senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the chief minister held a separate meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi where chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Khan, ex-governor and adviser to the chief minister on political affairs Shah Farman Khan and some other high-ranking officials were also present.

It was decided that the chief minister will visit the Jamrud subdivision in the Khyber tribal district near Peshawar and hold a meeting with the PTM leadership to reduce the tension and find an amicable solution to the ongoing conflict over holding of a three-day Pashtun Qaumi Jirga that the PTM has announced to hold in Regi Lalma area from October 11-13.

According to sources, Shah Farman has suggested that since Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has called the jirga meeting, therefore, as per Pakhtun traditions, he will set up a tent in Jamrud and invite the jirga members there. Also, he said that Gandapur will arrange food for the jirga members as a goodwill gesture.

According to official sources as well as the PTI leaders, some members of the jirga comprising KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati and PTI members of parliament and opposition parties went to the Jamrud subdivision on Thursday night for the first round of talks. According to official sources, who shared videos and pictures of the jirga members with The News, the meeting was scheduled to be held at the hujra (male guesthouse) of the late Malik Zahir Shah.

Late, according to Geo News, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur-led team, including ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain, met the jirga members to discuss various options with the PTM leaders for holding their convention in a peaceful atmosphere.

According to Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the talks were successful, saying the PM jirga would hold its jirga today (Friday).