Religious scholars from various schools of thought have extended their support to the ongoing negotiations between the Bajaur Peace Jirga and members of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), aimed at facilitating the militants’ peaceful exit from the district. According to a reports, the announcement was made during a meeting held at Madrassa Anwar-ul-Uloom in Khar, chaired by Mufti Ehsanul Haq, head of the Ittehad Ulema Bajaur a local alliance of religious scholars.
The meeting brought together representatives from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), Jamaat-e-Islami, Wifaqul Madaris Al-Arabia, Tableeghi Jamaat, and other religious groups in what was described as a rare joint session on the issue of peace in Bajaur.
Speakers highlighted the purpose of the gathering and underscored the pivotal role of scholars in promoting peace. They noted that clerics command respect in society due to their religious authority and possess significant influence within their communities.
Mufti Ehsanul Haq, who also heads the All Bajaur Islamic Seminaries Principals’ Association, emphasized that religious leaders have consistently played a constructive role in addressing challenges facing the district. “We are an integral part of society and cannot remain indifferent to an issue as vital as peace, which directly affects the lives of our people,” he stated.
The participants pledged full support to the Bajaur Peace Jirga and expressed their collective commitment to a peaceful resolution.
To facilitate the dialogue, Mufti Ehsanul Haq also announced the formation of a committee that would engage directly with the jirga and assist in the negotiation process.
Meanwhile, after a one-day pause, talks between the Bajaur Peace Jirga and the banned TTP resumed on Tuesday. The fourth round of negotiations was held in Loi Mamund and was attended by a 50-member jirga delegation.
According to Jirga leader Sahibzada Haroon Rasheed, the meeting followed a prior consultation held in Peshawar with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
In a social media post on Tuesday evening, Sahibzada Haroon Rasheed stated that the details of the talks would be shared once both parties reach a mutual understanding. He also urged local media to refrain from speculation, warning that premature reporting could jeopardize the delicate negotiation process.
