PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Aman Jirga concluded on Wednesday with a 15-point final declaration aimed at strengthening security and curbing terrorism across the province, emphasising that the Centre should consult the province on Pakistan-Afghan foreign policy.
The declaration was signed by all 21 jirga members, including the speaker.
The huddle unanimously condemned the ongoing terrorism across the province, including the merged tribal districts, and urged the use of all legal options to uproot the menace after taking the KP Assembly into confidence.
The jirga’s key points included the immediate implementation of assembly resolutions on security, police, and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) leadership in internal security, and allowing police to seek assistance from other institutions within constitutional boundaries.
It was also agreed that the provincial government would provide special financial aid to the police and the CTD amid the deteriorating law and order situation.
The declaration also sought a comprehensive policy for the elimination of extortion and illegal levies. It recommended establishing provincial peace forums with civil society representation.
The jirga members sought constitutional amendments to stabilise local governments and financial mechanisms. Additionally, it demanded linking the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) to the National Finance Commission (NFC).
It recommended that the provincial government and the KP Assembly formulate an action plan, besides urging an end to tensions between the Centre and the provincial government. The jirga also asked to summon the Council of Common Interests (CCI) within the constitutional period.
The communique, signed by the members, was read by KP Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati.
“Today, all political parties are united on matters of peace,” said Swati, adding that they met last night to discuss proposals and have finalised the action plan today. Praising the attendees of the peace jirga, he said that their support has strengthened the KP government’s hands and resolve.
Peace cannot be achieved alone: CM Afridi
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, talking to the media after the jirga, praised the participation of all political parties, religious leaders from all schools of thought, lawyers, and journalists.
“Peace cannot be achieved alone; your support is essential. Implementation of the unanimous declaration will be ensured, and recommendations will also be forwarded to the federal government,” he said.
Earlier, speaking at the Aman Jirga, CM Afridi said that decisions on anti-terror policy made “behind closed doors” and “imposed” on the province have so far failed to produce the desired results.
“Peace can only be achieved with the complete eradication of terrorism, and policy on the matter is decided behind closed doors, which so far has not yielded the desired results,” CM Afridi, who replaced Ali Amin Gandapur as chief executive last month, added.
Consensus on anti-terror policy
In his maiden speech in the provincial assembly after being elected as the CM, Afridi criticised the federal government’s policies and urged that local representatives, parliamentarians, people, and elders should be taken into confidence on the anti-terror policy.
CM Afridi said an inclusive approach should be adopted involving politicians, security forces, and other stakeholders in the formulation of counterterrorism strategies. He said that lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration.
The chief minister called for a participatory policy formulated with all stakeholders, saying, “If such a policy is implemented, it will be widely accepted, and terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be completely eradicated.”
He was of the view that war should always remain the last option in counterterrorism efforts, reiterating that other strategies should be used to sustain peace in the province.
The session concluded with closing prayers led by Jamaat-e-Islami senior leader Professor Ibrahim Khan.
A red carpet was rolled out for participants of the KP Aman Jirga, with Speaker Swati and Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah welcoming them.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and former governor Ghulam Ali, as well as ex-chief minister Mahmood Khan, were welcomed with formal honours. Senior politicians, religious leaders, and assembly members also received a ceremonial guard of honour.
“Peace can only be achieved with the complete eradication of terrorism, and policy on the matter is decided behind closed doors, which so far has not yielded the desired results,” CM Afridi, who replaced Ali Amin Gandapur as chief executive last month, added.
Consensus on anti-terror policy
In his maiden speech in the provincial assembly after being elected as the CM, Afridi criticised the federal government’s policies and urged that local representatives, parliamentarians, people, and elders should be taken into confidence on the anti-terror policy.
CM Afridi said an inclusive approach should be adopted involving politicians, security forces, and other stakeholders in the formulation of counterterrorism strategies. He said that lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration.
The chief minister called for a participatory policy formulated with all stakeholders, saying, “If such a policy is implemented, it will be widely accepted, and terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be completely eradicated.”
He was of the view that war should always remain the last option in counterterrorism efforts, reiterating that other strategies should be used to sustain peace in the province.
The session concluded with closing prayers led by Jamaat-e-Islami senior leader Professor Ibrahim Khan.
A red carpet was rolled out for participants of the KP Aman Jirga, with Speaker Swati and Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah welcoming them.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and former governor Ghulam Ali, as well as ex-chief minister Mahmood Khan, were welcomed with formal honours. Senior politicians, religious leaders, and assembly members also received a ceremonial guard of honour. –Agencies
