KP Peace Jirga issues joint declaration signed by 21 members

PESHAWAR: A joint declaration of the Peace Jirga organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has been issued in Peshawar, which has been signed by 21 Jirga members, including the Speaker of the Assembly.

According to the declaration, the Peace Jirga has suggested that the provincial government and the assembly formulate a comprehensive provincial action plan so that coordinated measures can be taken to establish peace and order and eliminate terrorism.

The declaration said that all historical Pak-Afghan trade routes should be opened immediately, while the federation should consult the provincial government in formulating the Pak-Afghan foreign policy and give priority to diplomatic relations.

The jirga recommended reducing tensions between the federation and the provincial government, and also said that the meeting of the Council of Common Interests should be convened according to the constitutional period.

The declaration emphasized that the provincial assembly should be taken into confidence to eliminate terrorism, and the resolutions passed by the assembly regarding peace and order should be implemented immediately.

It was further said that the police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) will lead internal security.

The police and CTD should be further strengthened to ensure lasting peace in the province.

The declaration stressed the need to formulate a coherent policy to eliminate illegal revenues, extortion and illegal extraction of minerals in conflict-affected areas.

It was also said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly should be given an in-camera briefing on the operations of security agencies and their legal basis.

Furthermore, it was recommended to establish forums for peace at the provincial level, which should also include non-governmental members, while at the urban level, special cells should be established for coordination between the police, cantonment boards and local bodies.

According to the declaration, these cells will be given the responsibility of preparing time-bound plans for the elimination of check posts.

The jirga also recommended constitutional amendments for the stability and financial security of local governments.

It was further said that the National Finance Commission (NFC) should be linked to the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) and the federation should immediately pay the amount due to the province in terms of its constitutional financial rights.

At the end of the declaration, it was said that the implementation of inter-provincial trade under Article 151 of the Constitution should be ensured so that the delivery of wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could be possible.