A grand jirga gave authority to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Thursday to tackle peace-related challenges, in anticipation of a three-day gathering organized by the recently banned Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM).
“I am grateful to all the parliamentarians and political leaders for participating in the jirga on my invitation. I also thank all the parliamentarians and political leaders for trusting me to lead this jirga,” he said while addressing the jirga.
This decision comes as preparations are underway for the grand jirga set to take place on October 11 in the Khyber district. Activists defied federal government orders by gathering in Jamrud on Sunday evening, affirming their commitment to hold the event.
Participants included Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Aimal Wali Khan, Amir Muqam and Mohsin Dawar. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also participated in the jirga.
The jirga discussed the recent events in WANA and Khyber as well as the overall security situation in the country.
A jirga will be set up under CM Gandapur to negotiate with the Qaumi Jirga.
The PTI condemned the ban on the PTM while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly criticised police actions against PTM supporters, which resulted in three fatalities the previous day.
“Protection of life and property of the citizens is our first responsibility and priority, I hope that through this jirga we will be able to find a way for a peaceful solution to the problem we are facing,” the KP CM said.
Gandapur emphasised that resolving issues cannot be achieved through conflict or violence, but rather through dialogue and negotiation.
“The views and suggestions of all political leaders participating in the jirga will be given full respect.”
In a statement released early Thursday, addressing the situation surrounding the PTM jirga, CM Gandapur expressed optimism that a collaborative solution could be reached for the benefit of the province, its residents, and the nation as a whole.
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The jirga could be a major development in political stability in the province as Gandapur and Kundi have been continuously at loggerheads over the political situation in the province.
The presence of Naqvi also marks a major step forward, as he had been at odds with Gandapur until very recently over PTI’s protest in Islamabad.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi underscored the importance of peace in the province.
In his address, Governor Kundi expressed appreciation for the provincial government’s efforts in organising the event. He recognised the political differences but reiterated that the safety and prosperity of the province are the foremost priorities.
He highlighted the necessity of negotiations to address ongoing challenges, particularly in light of the situation in Afghanistan. While addressing the recent violence and fatalities in Khyber, Kundi stressed the urgent need to tackle security issues, noting that several areas in the province remain classified as no-go zones.
Each party would send one representative, along with members of the provincial assembly from the merged districts, to accompany the Chief Minister.
Sources said that the chief minister would emphasise that no party or national flags would be displayed, and there would be no anti-state slogans. He would ensure that all demands would be acknowledged and a committee would be established within three days to address the issues raised by the federal and provincial governments.
Accompanying the CM will be representatives including Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Professor Ibrahim, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, and others. The meeting aims to request the organization of a Pashtun National Jirga under certain standard operating procedures.
