PESHAWAR: Representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s major political parties on Thursday granted authority to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to engage with the now-banned Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM).
The grand Jirga, hosted by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, was attended by notable figures including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Governor KP Faisal Karim Kundi, ANP Chief Aimal Wali Khan, PML-N Provincial President Amir Muqam, Prof. Ibrahim Khan of Jamaat-e-Islami, Mian Iftikhar Hussain of ANP, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha of PPP, Sikandr Hayat Sherpao of QWP, Dr. Ebad Khan of PML-N, and Mohsin Dawar.
The Jirga discussed recent incidents in South Waziristan and Khyber districts, as well as the broader security situation in the country. A new Jirga will be formed under CM Gandapur to negotiate with the PTM-led Qaumi Jirga.
In his opening remarks, Gandapur emphasized that Jirgas are a traditional means of resolving disputes in the province. He stressed that violence is not a solution and that dialogue is essential for resolving issues.
This Jirga could represent a significant step toward political stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially as Gandapur and Kundi have frequently clashed over the province’s political landscape. The involvement of Naqvi is also notable, as he had recently been at odds with Gandapur regarding PTI’s protests in Islamabad.
The gathering comes just days after the federal government banned the PTM following its announcement of a separate Jirga in KP, with members of all political parties warned against participating in the PTM’s initiative.
During the grand Jirga, Gandapur stated, “We have all gathered here for the sake of peace, setting aside political affiliations,” expressing hope that the Jirga would work toward peaceful resolutions. He reiterated that confrontation and violence are not solutions, and that dialogue is crucial.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi highlighted that maintaining peace in the province is the primary focus of the Jirga. He expressed gratitude to the provincial government for convening the meeting, emphasizing that despite political differences, the priority must be the peace and prosperity of the people.
Kundi underscored the need for unity to restore peace, acknowledging that the law-and-order situation has deteriorated, with many areas now considered no-go zones. “We must unite to bring peace back to the province,” he urged.
