——— Grand Jirga brings together provincial and federal leaders to explore peace solutions through dialogue
——— Gandapur empowered to establish peace in KP
——— Gandapur authorised to hold talks with Manzoor Pashteen-led PTM
——— Centre has no objection to Gandapur-hosted talks, says Interior Minister
PESHAWAR: Political leaders from both the federal and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) governments have come together in Peshawar for a Grand Jirga to address peace and security in the region.
The assembly at the Chief Minister’s House in K-P’s provincial capital was hosted by Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, and attended by prominent political figures, including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
Members of the K-P Assembly and leaders from various political parties also participated, showing a unified effort to address the province’s growing security concerns.
Other politicians including Awami Ntional Party (ANP)’s Aimal Wali Khan, Mohsin Dawar, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP)’s Sikandar Sherpao, Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) and Speaker Babar Salim Swati belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were among the key figures attending the meeting, alongside PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar.
In his opening speech, Chief Minister Gandapur expressed gratitude to all participants for their attendance and the trust placed in him to lead this critical initiative.
He highlighted the urgent need for political unity, urging leaders to work beyond their affiliations for the safety and well-being of the people of K-P.
“The protection of the lives and property of citizens, whether they are civilians or members of our security forces, is our foremost responsibility,” Gandapur said. He also stressed that negotiations, not violence, are the only path to resolving issues and restoring peace.
“We are following Pashtun traditions by holding this jirga today, and I assure you that all proposals and opinions shared by the leaders will be given the utmost respect,” he added.
K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi echoed these sentiments, reiterating that peace in the province was the sole agenda of the jirga. He also praised the provincial government for bringing together leaders despite political differences, saying that this unity is essential for meaningful dialogue. Kundi pointed to the importance of negotiations in resolving regional and global conflicts, citing the example of Afghanistan where international consensus was reached through dialogue.
He noted that talks must focus on those who recognise the country’s constitution and laws, and that demands directed at both the provincial and federal governments will be carefully considered.
“We have to unite to bring peace to this province, especially in areas still considered no-go zones,” Kundi said. He urged participants to use the jirga as a platform to find peaceful solutions to the challenges facing KP.
The Grand Jirga comes at a time when KP faces growing security threats, with several areas still affected by violence.
The gathering of political leaders from across the spectrum is seen as a major effort to push for dialogue-driven solutions, a core element of Pashtun traditions.
Both the federal and provincial governments have expressed their willingness to cooperate and find ways to address the region’s ongoing security concerns.
The jirga’s emphasis on peaceful negotiation over confrontation offers a hopeful path forward, and participants are expected to continue working together in the coming days to develop practical solutions. –Agencies
