In response to the recent surge in terrorist activities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial assembly convened a high-level Peace Jirga to review the law and order situation and chart strategies for restoring lasting peace and stability in the region.
The Jirga, presided over by Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, brings together provincial and federal government representatives, political party leaders, and social and religious stakeholders to collectively discuss measures to combat militancy and violence. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, attended the session at the invitation of the provincial government, while federal government representatives are also expected to participate.
Leaders from multiple political parties, including the Awami National Party (ANP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F), and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), joined the deliberations. Opposition Leader Abadullah Khan of the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) also attended, underscoring the cross-party focus on peace and security.
Addressing the participants, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Suhail Afridi welcomed all stakeholders and expressed hope that the Jirga would produce a sustainable and lasting solution to eliminate the scourge of terrorism. He noted, “We repeatedly speak of peace, yet unfortunately, some continue to resist it. Through this Jirga, we aim to collectively find strategies to eradicate terrorism and restore harmony across the province.”
Speaker Babar Saleem Swati acknowledged the presence of Pakistan’s brave armed forces but emphasized the need to evaluate why peace has not been fully achieved despite ongoing intelligence operations.
Provincial ANP leader Mian Iftikhar Hussain, former JI Emir Siraj-ul-Haq, JUI-F, and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party delegations also participated. Former Chief Minister Mehmood Khan, former Governor Shaukatullah Khan, Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party Chairman Afzal Shah Khamosh, and representatives of various legal and social sectors were present, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Jirga.
Former provincial minister Kamran Khan Bangash, commenting prior to the Jirga, said on X (formerly Twitter): “The attacks in Bannu, Wana, and Islamabad ahead of the Jirga are a conspiracy to sabotage the peace process. The enemies of peace will fail, because peace is our future.”
The session is being held against the backdrop of recent terrorist attacks across Pakistan, including a suicide bombing in Islamabad that claimed 12 lives. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a blast targeted a security convoy in Dera Ismail Khan’s Daraban tehsil, injuring at least 14 personnel. On Monday, terrorists attacked Wana Cadet College; although all students and staff were safely evacuated and all militants neutralized, three security personnel lost their lives during the clearance operation.
PPP parliamentary leader Ahmad Karim Kundi lauded the provincial government’s decision to convene the Jirga, calling the deteriorating law and order situation the province’s most pressing issue. He highlighted that while political parties have held peace-focused forums in the past, this is the first time a Jirga representing the province’s four million residents has been held within the provincial assembly.
According to JUI-F spokesperson Abdul Jalil Jan, party representation included Provincial Emir Senator Maulana Ata-ur-Rehman and Provincial General Secretary Senator Maulana Ata-ul-Haq Darwish. Jamaat-e-Islami was represented by Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Khan and former senior minister Inayatullah Khan.
Emphasizing the primacy of national security over political differences, PTI senior leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said ahead of the Jirga: “For us, peace is more important than politics. Today, political leaders from across the province have come together under one roof.”
Asad Qaiser welcomed the participation of all political parties, including the opposition, noting that PTI will use the forum to present its anti-terrorism proposals to the federal government. He stressed that the Pak-Afghan tensions should be resolved through diplomatic channels, adding that peace in Afghanistan is integral to peace in Pakistan. The provincial government will also communicate its demands directly to Afghan authorities.
PML-N leader Abadullah Khan told the media that all political differences were set aside for the session. “This is the first Jirga convened in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly with a focus solely on peace. We are hopeful for positive outcomes.”
He emphasized that the Jirga’s sole agenda is security and peace. “Terrorism is our greatest challenge. Constitutional amendments are matters for Parliament, but there can be no dialogue with terrorists. Those who have harmed our children will not be forgiven.”
The Peace Jirga reflects a united provincial front against militancy, bringing together government representatives, political parties, and civil society to ensure a coordinated approach for restoring peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
