Jirga warns of protest movement over rising terrorism in KP
PESHAWAR
Participants of the Qaumi Aman Jirga have called for the formation of a judicial commission, headed by a Supreme Court judge, within ten days to investigate the assassination of Maulana Khanzeb. The ANP senior leader was shot dead by unidentified assailants on July 9 while campaigning for a peace march in Bajaur.
The jirga, called by ANP to discuss the issues faced by Pakhtuns, was held in Bacha Khan Markaz here on Saturday.
The representatives of all the major political parties, tribal elders and civil society representatives attended the jirga. A 28-point declaration was also issued on the occasion.
The jirga declared Maulana Khanzeb a “national martyr of the Pakhtun nation and land” and called for the establishment of a political leadership-based jirga to initiate peace efforts in Pakhtunkhwa and the merged tribal districts. It urged serious dialogue with the military establishment, conveying a firm message that the region must not be used as a battleground for further unrest or foreign conflicts.
Participants also signaled the possibility of launching a protest movement, including a sit-in in Islamabad or Rawalpindi, against ongoing violence and instability.
The jirga emphasized the full implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the immediate issuance of the National Finance Commission (NFC) awards, and the end of conspiracies against constitutional reforms. It rejected all forms of terrorism and called for the elimination of the distinction between “good” and “bad” militants.
The jirga also advocated for peaceful regional ties, urging the state to foster brotherly relations with neighboring countries and open all trade routes to Afghanistan under the administration of KP.
The jirga underscored the need for devolution of powers to elected representatives and civil institutions in merged areas and reiterated its demand for an end to the historical exploitation of smaller nationalities through consistent enforcement of provincial autonomy under the 18th Amendment.
Participants warned that the Pakhtun people would no longer tolerate continued unrest, calling on the state to take immediate and concrete steps in support of the Constitution, democracy, and lasting peace in the region.
The Jirga also put forward a series of demands aimed at improving governance and development in the merged districts.
These included transferring administrative and development powers to civil institutions and elected representatives, recruiting 22,000 Khasadars, increasing the female literacy rate, establishing educational institutions, conducting surveys for rehabilitation and reconstruction, restoring 3G and 4G internet services, removing problematic check posts, and digitizing land records.
Additionally, the Jirga urged the government to implement the reserved medical and engineering seats for students from the merged districts and to reinstate higher education scholarships.
It emphasized that the people of KP have the primary right over the Frontier Constabulary, calling federal efforts to take control of the force a violation of tribal rights.
