In a significant development aimed at safeguarding peace and addressing emerging security concerns, a high-level jirga was convened at the DPO Conference Hall in Kalaya, bringing together senior tribal elders of the four major tribes of Lower Orakzai. The jirga was presided over by District Police Officer (DPO) Orakzai Shaukat Ali, with DSP Lower Orakzai Mehmood Khan also in attendance. Elders from the local Sunni community participated in large numbers, reaffirming their commitment to preserving peace in the district.
Opening the session, DPO Shaukat Ali expressed gratitude to the participants for their timely attendance despite personal and professional engagements. “Your presence here, despite your busy schedules, demonstrates your sincere commitment to the peace of Orakzai, for which I am deeply grateful,” he said.
The DPO briefed the jirga on the deteriorating law-and-order situation and warned that terrorist elements associated with the so-called Fitna al-Khawarij were gradually attempting to infiltrate Lower Orakzai. He revealed that over the past two to three days, suspicious individuals had reportedly entered the Ferozkhel area specifically Bandajat and the village of Puski from the direction of Khyber District.
According to the intelligence shared, these terrorists are attempting to exploit uninhabited houses to establish a permanent operational foothold. DPO Shaukat Ali cautioned that if such abandoned structures remained unsecured, militants could use them for their malicious objectives, ultimately placing the local population at severe risk.
During deliberations, tribal elders unanimously endorsed the police’s assessment and presented several critical proposals to strengthen security across the region:
Immediate Reoccupation of Abandoned Houses
The elders announced that a committee had been formed to ensure that all uninhabited houses in Puski village would be promptly resettled, eliminating opportunities for militants to misuse empty structures.
Establishment of a Check Post in Puski
They urged the immediate establishment of a police or security check post in Puski to restrict terrorist movement and enhance vigilance in the area.
FC Check Posts in Indhara Should Remain Operational
Expressing concern over reports that Frontier Corps (FC) check posts in the Indhara area of the Utmankhel tribe might be vacated, the elders said such a move could create a dangerous security vacuum. They appealed to authorities to keep the posts fully operational.
Security Presence in the Bezot–Mohammadzai Disputed Zone
The elders highlighted that resolving the land dispute between the Bezot and Mohammadzai tribes would pave the way for the approval of a new check post, which would contribute significantly to lasting stability.
Provision of Arms for Community Defense
Reaffirming their long-standing support for law enforcement, the elders requested that limited defensive arms be provided to local volunteers so they could effectively support police efforts in safeguarding the region.
Concluding the jirga, DPO Shaukat Ali announced that approval had been granted for the establishment of the Puski check post, and operational steps would begin immediately. Regarding weapons provision and other security matters, he assured the elders that these issues would be addressed in coordination with senior authorities and resolved through full institutional support.
“The police and the public are partners in protecting this region,” DPO Shaukat Ali asserted. “Together, we will resist any attempt by anti-peace elements to destabilize Orakzai. The police stand firmly with the people, and all available resources will be utilised to uphold peace and security.”
The jirga concluded with a renewed commitment from both police officials and tribal elders to work jointly, ensuring that Lower Orakzai remains resilient against emerging threats and united in the pursuit of lasting peace.
