Grand jirga gives CM Gandapur full mandate to negotiate with banned groups
PESHAWAR – The provincial and federal governments and political parties have come together on a single platform for peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
A grand jirga was held at the Chief Minister’s House at the invitation of Chief Minister Gandapur, granting him full authority to negotiate with the banned organisation.
According to media reports, the grand jirga was hosted by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, with the Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi representing the federal government.
Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly from various political parties participated, along with leaders from different political parties. Barrister Gohar represented PTI at the jirga.
Notable political figures at the jirga included Aimal Wali Khan, Professor Ibrahim, Mohsin Dawar, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, Sikandar Sherpao, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly Babar Saleem Swati, opposition leader Dr Ibad, Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam, among others.
In accordance with Pashtun traditions, the jirga was held today, and the opinions of all leaders will be respected, said the Chief Minister of KP.
In his inaugural address, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed gratitude to all parliamentarians and political leaders for attending the jirga at his invitation. He also thanked them for trusting him to lead the jirga, stating that everyone had gathered here for peace in the province, setting aside political affiliations.
Gandapur emphasized that protecting the lives and property of citizens, whether civilians or security forces, is a top priority. He expressed hope that this jirga would successfully find a peaceful solution to the issues at hand.
He stated that the resolution of any issue is possible not through conflict or violence, but through negotiation. Hence, the jirga was convened today in line with Pashtun traditions, and the opinions and suggestions of all political leaders will be given full respect.
“We need to bring everyone to the negotiating table and find a solution to the problem,” said the KP Governor.
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi emphasized that maintaining peace in the province is the sole agenda of today’s jirga. He expressed gratitude for the provincial government’s initiative to hold the jirga and stated that despite differences, everyone has come together for the peace of the province.
Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that they are ready to cooperate for the establishment of peace, and they will move forward within the framework of the constitution and law.
Afterward, the jirga took place, during which leaders addressed the assembly and presented their proposals.
The Chief Minister accepted the responsibilities given by the jirga, according to a spokesperson for the provincial government.
The spokesperson said that the jirga was held at the Chief Minister’s House, hosted by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, with heads and representatives of all political parties in attendance.
According to the spokesperson, the jirga assigned Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur the responsibility to resolve the issues through dialogue, and he accepted the powers conferred by the jirga with gratitude. A consultation and action plan will be formulated soon to resolve the issues.
All political leaders expressed confidence in the Chief Minister, and powers were fully delegated to Gandapur, said Barrister Saif.