A PTI delegation calls on KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to extend an invitation to the peace jirga. Photo: Express
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will hold the grand peace jirga at the provincial assembly today (Wednesday), bringing together leaders of over 20 political parties, tribal elders, lawyers, journalists and members of civil society to deliberate on a unified strategy to restore lasting peace in the province.
According to officials, all arrangements relating to the jirga have been finalized. The event is being organized on the recommendation of the KP Assembly Special Security Committee and around 400 participants are expected.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will participate in the jirga, while President Babar Saleem Swati will moderate the session.
The jirga will take place in two sessions, the first beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing until noon, followed by a second session after Zuhr prayers. In conclusion, CM Afridi and President Swati will issue a joint statement outlining the recommendations of the jirga.
President Swati, Leader of Opposition Dr Ibadullah Khan, former Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Special Assistant on Information Shafiullah Jan, along with other members of the government and opposition, inspected the meeting hall to review the arrangements made.
Representatives of the Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Jamaat-e-Islami, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) have confirmed their participation, as have members of bar councils and civil society organizations.
A special security plan has been put in place, with access restricted to authorized participants with special passes. A list of approximately 40 speakers was established, reflecting broad political and social representation.
Shafiullah Jan described the jirga as “the biggest peace conference in the history of the province”, saying it would mark an important step for lasting peace in KP.
“All political leaders, journalists and representatives of different schools of thought will participate in the jirga,” he said, adding that joint recommendations and proposals will be made to lay the foundations for lasting stability.
