Chief Minister Gandapur Commits to Address PTM Jirga Demands

PESHAWAR: The ongoing dialogue between the provincial government and the Pakhtun National Jirga (PNJ) has taken a significant turn as Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has made a commitment to address the demands put forth by the jirga representatives. This meeting, held in the provincial capital, marks a crucial step in the efforts to resolve longstanding issues faced by the Pakhtun community.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Gandapur assured the PNJ members that their demands would be met, particularly the withdrawal of cases filed against them. PNJ spokesperson Barkat Afridi conveyed the chief minister's promise, stating, "The chief minister assured us that cases will be withdrawn and all the arrested members will be released soon." This assurance comes in the wake of a police action that disrupted a jirga meeting last month, resulting in injuries and arrests.

It is important to note that the PNJ did not seek compensation for the families of those who lost their lives during the police attack. Instead, they focused on seeking accountability for the damage caused to their venue. Mr. Afridi emphasized, "We never demanded any compensation for the family members of those, who lost their lives when police attacked the jirga venue last month, but for the damage caused by police when they vandalised the venue." This distinction highlights the jirga's commitment to justice and accountability rather than financial gain.

Furthermore, the chief minister expressed his willingness to facilitate a meeting in the near future to address the issues raised by the PNJ. The jirga members also sought permission to intervene in the Kurram district to foster peace and maintain law and order. Afridi reported, "We asked the chief minister that we have formed a jirga for holding talks with the groups in Kurram for maintaining law and order. He told us to go ahead as an independent jirga. The provincial government will give us legal support." This proactive approach indicates a collaborative effort to improve the situation in the region.

In addition to addressing local issues, the chief minister assured the PNJ that the plight of displaced persons in the Khyber district would be raised at various forums. He also expressed support for peace initiatives in Khyber’s Tirah valley, which is a positive sign for the community.

On November 15, the PNJ announced the formation of a legal committee aimed at creating a 'new social contract' to secure the legitimate and constitutional rights of Pakhtuns. This initiative reflects the jirga's commitment to advocating for the rights of their community in a structured and legal manner.

Notably, the meeting was attended by Manzoor Pashteen, the leader of the proscribed Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), who voiced his dissatisfaction with the provincial government's failure to fulfill its commitments regarding the final declaration of the PNJ made on October 13. This highlights the ongoing tensions and the need for the government to take concrete actions to restore trust among the Pakhtun community.

The assurances made by Chief Minister Gandapur represent a potential turning point in the relationship between the provincial government and the Pakhtun community. As the PNJ continues to advocate for their rights and address pressing issues, it is crucial for the government to follow through on its promises. The success of these efforts will not only impact the lives of the individuals involved but also contribute to the overall stability and peace in the region. The path forward requires genuine dialogue, accountability, and a commitment to justice for all parties involved.