The Great Jirga rejects a new military operation and calls for dialogue and peace

Tribal elders and members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) National Assembly on Saturday categorically opposed any further military operations in the tribal districts of the ‘Grand Aman Jirga’, instead calling for dialogue, justice and development to ensure lasting peace in the region.

The Aman Jirga (peace assembly), held in Peshawar on Saturday, was attended by elders from Bajaur, Khyber and Waziristan, along with PTI workers and community leaders carrying white flags inscribed with the message ‘Only Peace’. The jirga echoed a unified demand for stability through consultations and urged the federal government to respect the will of the people of the merged districts.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, addressing the jirga in Urdu, Punjabi and Pashto, delivered a fiery speech rejecting any plans to resume military operations in the region.

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“After 9/11, Pakistan became a battleground of drone operations and strikes. The state made promises to internally displaced persons (IDPs) that were never kept. Today, preparations for another operation are underway – we will not allow this,” Afridi said.

He recalled that in 2018, the tribal areas were declared “cleared”, with Khyber in particular considered clear. “They were, however, resettled despite our repeated warnings. We cannot be asked to make further sacrifices – do not trade our lives for dollars,” he said.

Afridi urged the federal government to take the provincial government and tribal representatives into confidence before taking a decision on the merged districts. “This time, we will not be scapegoats,” he warned.

The chief minister also demanded an early meeting of the National Finance Commission (NFC) and allocation of Rs 3.5 billion provincial funds. “Give us our rights. We don’t want second-hand vehicles; we want our fair share,” he said, switching to Punjabi to add: “Saada haq ithe rakh (Give our right here).”

Afridi concluded his speech by announcing the upcoming convening of a Loya Aman Jirga (Grand Peace Assembly) to finalize the collective position of the tribes on future peace and security strategies.

Speaking at the meeting, tribal elder Malik Khan Marjan said terrorism could only be defeated through dialogue rather than military action. “All tribes stand with the chief minister. Decisions regarding tribal areas will be taken by the tribal jirga itself,” he said, adding that the elders were ready to engage with the provincial and federal governments, as well as the armed forces, under the leadership of CM Afridi.

MP Abdul Ghani said Afridi’s appointment marked a proud moment for the region. “After 77 years, a son of a tribe has once again donned the turban of chief minister,” he remarked, calling it a symbolic return to tribal representation.

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Senator Noorul Haq Qadri used the platform to warn against any provocation from neighboring Afghanistan, saying instability across the border could reignite terrorism in the tribal belt. “If Afghanistan is disrupted again, terrorism will return to the tribal areas,” he warned.

Qadri also criticized PML-N leader and Information Minister Atta Tarar, accusing him of disrespecting the tribal community and trying to obstruct Afridi’s election as chief minister. “A time will come when we will respond to Atta Tarar,” he warned.