By: Shahid Jan
PESHAWAR: A Peace Jirga held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Wednesday strongly condemned the ongoing terrorism in the province. It emphasises the need for the provincial assembly to be engaged in efforts to eliminate terrorism, utilising all available resources within the bounds of the law.
The Amn Jirga was called by the KP assembly speaker, Babar Saleem Swati. Chief Minister KP Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Opposition leader, Ibadullah Khan, Governor KP, Faisal Kareem Kundi and top leadership of the political parties attended the Jirga.
Including CM KP, participants addressed the Jirga and stressed to eliminate terrorism from the province.
A 15-point declaration was also issued later by the Jirga, which said that the immediate implementation of the assembly’s unanimous resolutions regarding law and order is crucial. The police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) will lead efforts to ensure internal security and may seek assistance from other institutions as permitted by the constitution.
In response to the declining law and order situation, the government will allocate special financial support to the WISE (Women in Security and Empowerment) and CTD. A coordinated policy is needed to eliminate extortion and illegal revenues, and measures should be taken to halt illegal mining of minerals in conflict-affected areas.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should receive an in-camera briefing within a specified timeframe regarding ongoing operations conducted by security agencies and their legal justifications. Additionally, peace forums should be established at the provincial level, predominantly consisting of non-governmental members.
Plans should be developed to enhance coordination among local government institutions, including the removal of unnecessary police check posts. Constitutional amendments are essential for ensuring the stability and financial security of local governments.
It is recommended that the Provincial Finance Commission be linked to the National Finance Commission. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Peace Jirga urges the provincial government and assembly to create a provincial action plan and calls for the immediate opening of the Pak-Afghan border for trade.
The federation should consult the provincial government regarding Pak-Afghan foreign policy, prioritising diplomacy to resolve outstanding issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Furthermore, the Peace Jirga recommends that efforts be made to reduce tensions between the federation and the provincial government. The Council of Common Interests should convene meetings as stipulated within the constitutional timeframe.
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