The Grand Tribal Jirga convened in Kohat to address the Kurram conflict has been adjourned for two days. The parties involved have reached a general consensus, but one party requested a two-day delay for internal consultation before signing the agreement. Key points of the agreement have emerged.

Jirga members state that more than ten points still require signatures from both parties and that the discussions were conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

Several key points of the agreement have been obtained by Aaj News:

• Both parties will surrender their illegal heavy weaponry to government authorities.
• Both parties will immediately dismantle their military positions in their respective areas. The government will reopen closed routes, ensuring its writ.
• Any violation of the agreement by either party will make that party solely responsible for all damages incurred. The violating party will face penalties as stipulated in the agreement.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Information Minister, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, stated that the Jirga continued late into the night, with a general consensus reached between the parties. Only a few points remain, prompting one party to request a two-day consultation period.

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Barrister Saif explained that Ahl-e-Sunnat requested two days to consult with their leaders and the public. The Jirga granted the extension and will reconvene on Tuesday. He confirmed that major points have been agreed upon, and the agreement will be signed after consultations are complete.

He further stated that, in accordance with the Apex Committee’s decision, the elimination of bunkers and weapons will be ensured.

Saif told reporters that the jirga would be convened again on Tuesday after the forum, via mutual consultation, decided to grant two days’ time to one of the parties who asked for more time for further discuss with its leaders on a few points.

Jalal Bangash, the secretary for the Anjuman Association and member of the peace jirga, said that all demands and proposals put forward had been accepted and the Turi Bangash tribe has signed the agreement.

He said that progress in peace talks, under way at Kohat, was aimed at brokering an agreement for lasting peace between the warring tribes whose clashes have resulted in over 100 fatalities since November last in Kurram.

The issue remained unresolved despite multiple truces announced during the past year as elders from both sides strive to negotiate a lasting peace agreement, Bangash said. He added that road supplies and other essential services would be restored soon as part of the agreement.

Bunkers would be abolished and the area would be de-weaponized as per the Apex Committee’s decision, the KP government spokesperson said.

(With input from APP)