Grand jirga finally strikes peace deal in Kurram

KOHAT: The three-week-long Grand Jirga convened to address the Kurram situation has concluded successfully, with both sides signing an agreement, according to Jirga member Malik Sawab Khan.

Malik Sawab Khan reportedly said that the issues have been resolved, and concerns have been largely removed. The agreement will be formally announced at the Governor House Peshawar.

The Jirga members stressed that both parties are committed to implementing the decisions of the Apex Committee. Malik Sawab Khan further explained that the delay in signing the agreement was due to the absence of some members, while Jirga member Abdullah Khan noted that some members could not attend due to other commitments.

According to Abdullah Khan, the implementation of the agreement will begin once it is fully signed. A 16-member committee comprising representatives of both sides will be formed to oversee the process. Furthermore, a plan will be drawn up to collect weapons under government supervision.

Abdullah Khan added that bunkers and fortifications will be dismantled from Teri Mangal to Chihri. Moreover, all roads and routes, including Tal Parachinar Road, will be reopened for public use.

Earlier, after a two-day break, the Grand Jirga, which aims to collect weapons, demolish bunkers, and reopen routes in Kurram, resumed in Kohat.

The Grand Jirga was bringing together tribal elders to discuss key issues affecting the Kurram region as six tribes agreed to sign an agreement as per the decision of the Apex Committee.

However, the Tori tribe stressed the need to reopen the routes first. Meanwhile, the sit-in of six tribes at Baghan Bazaar has entered its fifth day.

The protesters were demanding the reopening of routes to address the shortage of food and other essential commodities.

Similarly, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information Muhammad Ali Saif said that a consensus has been reached between the two tribes for lasting peace in Kurram district.

Barrister Saif, while providing details of the ongoing peace talks on Sunday, told the media that the jirga will be convened again on Tuesday after which the forum decided to give two days’ time to one of the parties in mutual consultation, which added that it would give time to discuss some points further with its leaders.

Secretary of the Anjuman Anjuman and member of the peace jirga, Jalal Bangash, told the media that all the demands and proposals presented have been accepted and the Tori Bangash tribe has signed the agreement.