A PTI delegation urges KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to issue an invitation to the peace jirga. Photo: Express
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will hold the grand peace jirga today (Wednesday) at the provincial assembly, bringing together leaders of more than 20 political parties, tribal elders, lawyers, journalists and civil society members to deliberate on a unified strategy to restore lasting peace in the province.
According to officials, all arrangements for the jirga have been completed. The event is called on the recommendation of the KP assembly’s special security committee, and around 400 participants are expected to attend.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will attend the jirga while Speaker Babar Saleem Swati will host the session.
The jirga will be held in two sessions, the first beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continues until noon, followed by another session after the Zuhr prayer. At the conclusion, CM Afridi and Speaker Swati will issue a joint statement outlining the jirga’s recommendations.
Speaker Swati, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ibadullah Khan, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser and Special Assistant for Information Shafiullah Jan along with other members of the government and opposition inspected the assembly hall to review the arrangements.
Representatives from Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan Peoples 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 participation in the clubs and civil society organizations have confirmed participation in the Bar Association.
A special security plan has been put in place, with access limited to authorized participants with special access cards. A list of around 40 speakers has been drawn up, reflecting a broad political and social representation.
Shafiullah Jan described the jirga as “the biggest peace conference in the history of the province” and said it would mark a milestone for sustainable peace in KP.
“All political leaders, journalists and representatives of various schools will participate in the jirga,” he said, adding that common recommendations and suggestions will be formulated to lay the foundation for lasting stability.
