KOHAT: A grand jirga of political leaders and elders of Sunni and Shia sects convened by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Sunday vowed that every possible steps would be taken to quell violence and calm down clashes in Kurram, restore government writ and a lasting peace in the region.
The grand jirga held at the Commissioner’s House in Kohat, was attended by political leaders, including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Federal Minister Amir Muqam, Pakistan People’s Party provincial president Syed Mohammad Ali Shah Bacha and Amjad Afridi, Awami National Party (ANP) provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Professor Ibrahim, Qaumi Watan Party leader Sikandar Sherpao, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami’s Hafiz Abdur Rafi and Maulana Abdul Wahid Khateeb, Shia Ulema Council leader Allama Muhammad Ramzan Tauqir, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid leader Intikhab Chamkani, Bushra Gohar of the National Democratic Movement, former federal minister Sajid Hussain Turi and prominent elders.
The participants thoroughly discussed the issues and agreed to take tangible measures for ending the ongoing tension and bloodshed in the Kohat region, particularly in Kurram district.
The jirga took important decisions and called upon the provincial and federal governments to play their vital role for maintaining law and order and restoration of lasting peace in the region.
Collective prayers were also offered for those killed and speedy recovery for the injured in the clashes in Kurram.
Addressing the jirga, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that the government was committed to restoring its authority in Kurram district and a lasting peace in the region. He said that the government would take every possible step to collect illegal weapons from the area and vacate the trenches established by both sides in Kurram.
“A grand jirga would also be convened in Kurram district soon, while the progress of today’s jirga would be communicated to the Army Chief and the prime minister,” he added.
Governor Kundi also directed the district administration to play its role in halting the ongoing conflict in Kurram forthwith. He assured that any necessary steps to restore peace would be taken, and immediate financial aid would be provided to the affected people.
“Measures for the return of those displaced due to the conflict would also be taken promptly,” he contended.
He also advised Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister to set differences aside and convene a grand jirga with all political and religious parties to address security issues jointly.
Amir Muqam said that peace could only be restored by setting aside differences and working together as political parties. He stressed that victims in Kurram should be compensated immediately and condemned external forces for fomenting hatred among Muslims. He called on the state and government to play a key role in restoring peace.
Mian Iftikhar also called for the immediate clearing of positions in Kurram by both parties. He stated that a grand jirga should be held in Kurram, as foreign powers were inciting violence among Pashtuns.
He expressed concern over the huge quantity of heavy weapons in Kurram and urged the youth to contribute to restoring peace. He stressed the need for both the federal and provincial governments to collaborate for peace.
Sikandar Sherpao also stressed the need for all political parties to contribute to peace efforts in Kurram. He supported the call for a grand jirga and stressed the urgency of resolving the situation.
Bushra Gohar criticised the failure of both the state and provincial government to maintain law and order in Kurram. She questioned why women and youth were excluded from the jirga, and pointed out that the government was able to maintain authority during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s protests in Islamabad, but not in Kurram.
She suggested that a grand jirga should be held in Kurram, where local women and children could share their pain and experiences.
