In a significant initiative aimed at de-escalating growing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, social organization Aspire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, chaired by Arbab Shehzad, in collaboration with the National Reform Movement (NRM), represented by focal person Tahmid Jan, announced the convening of a Joint Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Jirga in Peshawar. The announcement was made during a joint press conference, where both leaders emphasized the urgent need for dialogue, trust-building, and diplomatic engagement to prevent further deterioration in bilateral relations.
The Peace Jirga, scheduled for March 31, is expected to bring together a diverse cross-section of stakeholders from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including national and provincial political leaders, tribal elders, former bureaucrats, religious scholars, civil society representatives, business leaders, and members of the media. The gathering aims to foster an inclusive platform for discussion, with the goal of developing a joint framework for sustainable peace and conflict resolution between the two neighboring countries.
Speaking at the press conference, Arbab Shehzad highlighted that the Jirga represents a historic opportunity for civil society and community leaders to demonstrate that dialogue, mutual respect, and trust-building are the only sustainable paths to peace in the region. He stressed that the gathering would not only address immediate concerns regarding cross-border tensions but would also seek to lay the groundwork for long-term stability and cooperation.
Tahmid Jan underlined that the central message of the Peace Jirga is that war and confrontation are not solutions to the challenges faced by the region. Instead, constructive negotiations, diplomacy, and respect for mutual interests must guide both nations toward a peaceful and cooperative coexistence. Participants of the Jirga are expected to present a formal set of recommendations to the leadership of both Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging an immediate ceasefire and the resolution of disputes through dialogue rather than escalation.
This initiative comes at a critical juncture, as recent tensions have underscored the urgent need for proactive, community-driven diplomatic interventions. By involving a wide spectrum of stakeholders from political, social, and religious sectors, the Peace Jirga aims to demonstrate that sustainable peace in South Asia requires both top-level political commitment and grassroots participation. Organizers hope that the outcomes of this gathering will contribute meaningfully to de-escalation efforts and serve as a model for future collaborative peace-building initiatives in the region.
