MPA Shazia Tehmas suggested including women from merged districts in tribal jirgas
PESHAWAR:
In a rare show of unity, government and opposition members in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly on Monday proposed convening an All Party Conference (APC) to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation, terrorism and tensions with Afghanistan.
The House unanimously decided to consult the Governor, Chief Minister, leaders of political parties, representatives of civil society and key officials of concerned institutions to resolve the issues.
During a detailed discussion on law and order, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said a parliamentary committee has already been formed to deal with these issues.
“This province does not belong to one party; it belongs to all of us,” he said. He invited all political leaders, civil society, bar associations, the chief minister and the governor to submit suggestions on how to improve peace in the province. He said that later, a briefing would be sought from the Peshawar Corps Commander and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
MP Arshad Ayub said the deteriorating security situation is the province’s most serious problem and requires immediate and serious attention. MP Ahmad Kundi suggested that all political parties should sit together and work out a common strategy.
MPA Zahid Chanzeb expressed concern about the treatment of Afghan refugees and cross-border bombings. He said the manner in which Afghans are being expelled could provoke retaliation tomorrow. “Institutions must act wisely: if dialogue was the solution, it should have taken place earlier.”
Dr. Amjad Ali said that political parties are competing against each other, while peace and democracy should be their common priority. “Despite 14,000 operations, peace has not been achieved in the province. An APC should be convened immediately so that practical proposals can be agreed.”
MPA Shafi Ullah Jan questioned how, despite thousands of operations, the militants managed to reemerge, calling it a serious issue for state institutions.
MPA Anwar Zeb pointed out that thousands of people in tribal districts, especially Bajaur, were displaced for the past 48 days due to the ongoing operations. “When people return home, new targeted operations begin, leading to the death and injury of innocent civilians,” he said, adding that peace is only possible if all stakeholders and political leaders come together.
ANP parliamentary leader Arbab Usman said his party had borne the brunt of the establishment’s actions but did not want to appear confrontational. “The APC must be placed above political considerations,” he said, adding: “The war in the region is about resources, and all eyes are on us.”
MP Abdul Ghani said tribal people had always shown courage but were being prevented from holding traditional jirgas. “Tribal elders have made it clear that further operations, drone strikes and displacements will not be accepted. The tribal belt cannot support any more operations,” he said.
Lawyer Mehr Sultana said that since a law and order committee had already been formed, the assembly should be informed once the meetings were held. She also asked for more opportunities for members to discuss their constituencies.
MPA Ashbar Jadoon remarked that those dying on both sides of the border “are our own people”. But he also praised the sacrifices of the military.
“Thanks to them, we sleep peacefully in our homes. Afghanistan, which works on behalf of India, often attacks us. We should avoid involving our army on new fronts,” he said.
MPA Shazia Tehmas suggested including women from merged districts in tribal jirgas.
She said civil society and political parties already have women members from these regions who have a good understanding of local issues. They should be part of these jirgas.
In the end, the MPAs unanimously agreed that lasting peace in KP could only be achieved if all political forces, state institutions and tribal elders sit down and work out a common strategy.
Afridi meets corps commander
Newly elected KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi held an important one-on-one meeting with Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Umar Ahmad Bukhari, marking his first meeting since assuming office.
According to security sources, the meeting, described as a courtesy visit, discussed the province’s security situation and other key issues. Officials confirmed that it is customary for a new chief minister to meet the corps commander soon after taking office.
Former CM Ali Amin Gandapur had earlier met the then corps commander accompanied by his cabinet members. However, the new chief minister opted for a face-to-face meeting.
