Peace negotiations between the Bajaur Peace Jirga and militant commanders over the latter’s return to Afghanistan reached a deadlock on Saturday, sparking fears and uncertainty among local residents in the Loi Mamond tehsil. The talks had initially led to an agreement on a ceasefire until a final settlement was reached, allowing the postponement of counter-terrorism measures in the area. However, the collapse of the dialogue has prompted several families from 16 localities in Loi Mamond to relocate to safer areas, with more expected to follow.
Sources said the failure of the negotiations has left limited options for addressing the presence of militants in the region, which poses a grave threat to peace and civilian safety. Jirga leader Sahibzada Haroon Rashid told reporters on Friday night that the seventh round of talks ended without success due to “a serious deadlock on some key matters.” Speaking after holding separate meetings with militant leaders and senior officials, he said, “We, as members of the Bajaur Peace Jirga, made every sincere effort with determination to persuade the militant leadership to return peacefully to Afghanistan and bring the talks to a positive conclusion. Unfortunately, we could not achieve our mission because of a significant deadlock over important issues.”
He added that no further discussions with the militant leadership would take place until the impasse was resolved. Flanked by all jirga members, including local PTI MPA Dr Hamidur Rehman and former MNA Gul Zafar Khan, Sahibzada Haroon Rashid appealed to both sides the security forces and the militants to exercise restraint and avoid confrontation, noting that any escalation would deepen the suffering of the local population.
He said both parties had assured the jirga that, in the event of any hostilities, civilians and their properties would not be harmed. The jirga, he added, would remain active and work with local residents to formulate a plan ensuring rapid response if civilian lives or property came under threat.
Sahibzada Haroon Rashid further stated that jirga members would resume their activities in the greater interest of Bajaur and its people after meeting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister in Peshawar. However, no statement regarding that meeting had been issued by the time this report was filed.
