Members held meetings with concerned parties, making significant decisions to ensure sustainable peace in the region
Shamim Shahid
Kurram: After days of armed conflict and over 131 fatalities in the tribal district of Kurram, a grand jirga has decided on an indefinite ceasefire and has agreed that the trenches will remain vacant until the final decision of the jirga is made.
The gathering took place under the guidance of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, with over 100 tribal elders from Kurram attending. The Jirga was led by the Commissioner of Kohat Division, and Kohat Division DIG, Shir Akbar Khan, also participated.
The jirga members held individual and collective meetings with the concerned parties, making significant decisions aimed at ensuring sustainable peace in the region. After hours of deliberation, the jirga decided to implement a ceasefire for an indefinite period.
The participants agreed that peace could not be achieved through conflict and acknowledged that a long-term solution to the decades-old issues would require time, sincerity, and trust from both sides.
The jirga emphasised its commitment to the peaceful future of Kurram, stating, “We will remain seated until full and lasting peace is established in Kurram, carrying the message of peace to our respective areas.”
Kohat Division Commissioner Mutasim Billah Shah assured that the government would fulfil its responsibilities for establishing durable peace in Kurram, ensuring the authority of the state would be maintained under all circumstances.
Prior to this development, CM Gandapur met members of the grand jirga to address the Kurram issue at the CM House on Sunday where the discussions focused on initiating formal negotiations and other related matters.
Later on Monday, in the provincial assembly session, the K-P government decided to launch an operation to disarm the Kurram district, and dismantle bunkers in the region.
While stressing the need to establish government authority, Law Minister Aftab Alam stated that an operation will be conducted to make Kurram weapon-free, and all bunkers will be demolished.
During the session, opposition member Riaz Shaheen highlighted the situation in Kurram, explaining that fighting broke out in October, leading to a deterioration in law and order.
Shaheen added that the conflict resulted in the closure of all routes in Kurram, with women and children also being affected. “To date, over 130 people have been killed, 188 injured, and more than 450 shops and 1,500 houses damaged, leaving more than 10,000 people displaced.”
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