A PTI delegation asks KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to extend an invitation for the peace jirga. Photo: Express
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will hold the grand peace jirga in the provincial assembly today (Wednesday), which will bring together leaders of over 20 political parties, tribal elders, lawyers, journalists and members of civil society to deliberate on a unified strategy to restore lasting peace in the province.
According to officials, all preparations for the jirga have been finalized. The event was convened on the recommendation of the Special Security Committee of the KP Assembly and around 400 participants are expected to attend.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi will participate in the jirga while President Babar Saleem Swati will host the session.
The jirga will be held in two sessions, the first starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until noon, followed by a second session after Zuhr prayers. Upon conclusion, CM Afridi and Speaker Swati will issue a joint statement outlining the jirga’s recommendations.
President Swati, Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah Khan, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and Special Assistant on Information Shafiullah Jan, along with other members of the government and opposition, inspected the assembly hall to review the agreements.
Representatives of the Awami National Party (ANP), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), Jamaat-e-Islami, Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) have confirmed their participation, as have members of bar councils and civil society organisations.
A special security plan has been put in place, with access restricted to authorized participants carrying special entry passes. A list of about 40 speakers has been prepared, reflecting broad political and social representation.
Shafiullah Jan described the jirga as “the largest peace conference in the history of the province” and said it would mark a milestone for sustainable peace in KP.
“All political leaders, journalists and representatives of various schools of thought will participate in the jirga,” he said, adding that joint recommendations and proposals will be formulated to lay the foundation for lasting stability.
