Both federal and provincial governments have expressed readiness to collaborate in developing strategies for peace, with the jirga expected to pave the way for further discussions in the coming days
By our correspondent
PESHAWAR: In a significant move toward restoring peace and security in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) region, political leaders from both the federal and K-P governments convened for a Grand Jirga in Peshawar. Hosted by K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur at the Chief Minister’s House, the gathering brought together key political figures including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
The jirga, a traditional Pashtun assembly for conflict resolution, aimed to address the rising security concerns in the province. Leaders from various political parties such as the Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) attended, signaling a rare moment of unity among political rivals. Participants included ANP’s Aimal Wali Khan, Mohsin Dawar, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, QWP’s Sikandar Sherpao, and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, along with Speaker Babar Salim Swati.
In his opening remarks, Chief Minister Gandapur underscored the importance of political unity for safeguarding the region’s stability. He urged leaders to transcend party affiliations and prioritize the protection of citizens and security forces. “The safety of our people is our foremost responsibility, and we must seek solutions through dialogue, not violence,” Gandapur said. K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi echoed Gandapur’s call for peace, praising the initiative for bringing together leaders despite their political differences. He emphasized that peaceful negotiations, modeled after Pashtun traditions, are crucial for resolving the province’s conflicts. Citing Afghanistan as an example, Kundi stressed the need for talks with groups that respect the country’s constitution and laws.
The Grand Jirga’s timing is critical, as K-P continues to face security threats in various areas, some of which remain no-go zones due to violence. The leaders’ commitment to dialogue-driven solutions marks a significant step toward addressing the province’s challenges. Both federal and provincial governments have expressed readiness to collaborate in developing strategies for peace, with the jirga expected to pave the way for further discussions in the coming days. This collective political effort signals hope for meaningful progress in restoring peace to the volatile region, emphasizing negotiation as the primary path forward.