Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced on Friday that the provincial government would host the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement’s (PTM) jirga, aimed at peacefully resolving matters concerning the movement. This decision followed a multiparty grand jirga held on Thursday, where the federal government agreed, in principle, to lift the recent ban imposed on PTM.
The jirga, scheduled for Friday, was attended by Chief Minister Gandapur, who assured that the provincial administration would ensure a peaceful process. “We will host this jirga, and it will be peaceful,” Gandapur told reporters. He emphasized that the platform would allow people from across the province to present their demands and discuss issues specific to their districts.
“The people will be able to present their demands through the jirga and resolutions,” Gandapur pledged, adding, “As CM, I will put these demands in a resolution and try to fulfill them.”
Reflecting on the grand jirga held the previous day, the Chief Minister expressed satisfaction, highlighting that the gathering took place in line with Pashtun traditions. However, Gandapur condemned the earlier violence at a peaceful gathering, which resulted in four deaths and 10 injuries. “Our people have demanded peace because they have suffered and sacrificed so much,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s information adviser, Barrister Saif, hailed the jirga as a success, noting on X (formerly Twitter) that an agreement was reached to promote peace. Saif stressed that the jirga would focus on local issues, and there would be no slogans against the state of Pakistan, the Constitution, or the Pakistan Army. He also confirmed that no foreign flags would be allowed at the gathering.
The provincial government has placed Hayatabad Medical Complex and Jamrud Hospital on high alert to provide first aid to jirga participants. “Instructions have been issued to DHO Khyber to provide all possible medical support to the participants,” a government statement confirmed.
This marks a significant moment in the ongoing negotiations between PTM and the government, with hopes for peaceful resolutions to longstanding grievances.
