The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Peace Jirga on Wednesday issued a 15-point final declaration aimed at strengthening security and curbing terrorism across the province, seeking the center’s consultation on the Pak-Afghan foreign policy.
The Jirga unanimously condemned ongoing terrorism across the province, including in the merged tribal districts, and urged the use of all legal options to uproot the menace after taking the KP Assembly into confidence. Its key points included the immediate implementation of assembly resolutions on security, police, and counter-terrorism department leadership in internal security, and allowing police to seek assistance from other institutions within constitutional boundaries.
The huddle further decided the provincial government would provide special financial aid to the police and the CTD amid the deteriorating law and order situation. It sought a comprehensive policy for the elimination of extortion and illegal levies. It recommended establishing provincial peace forums with civil society representation and constitutional amendments aimed at stabilizing local governments and financial mechanisms. It also demanded linking the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) to the National Finance Commission (NFC).
It recommended the provincial government and the KP Assembly formulate an action plan, and stressed on an end to tensions between the federal and provincial governments. The jirga also asked to summon the Council of Common Interests (CCI) within the constitutional period.
Speaking with media after the Jirga, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi praised the participation of all political parties, religious leaders from all schools of thought, lawyers, and journalists. “Peace cannot be achieved alone; your support is essential. Implementation of the unanimous declaration will be ensured, and recommendations will also be forwarded to the federal government,” he said.