Elders from the Bajaur and Mohmand tribal districts on Monday pledged full support to the authorities in efforts to eradicate terrorism, describing it as a shared enemy of all communities. However, they firmly opposed any new military operation or forced displacement in the name of peace.
The elders voiced their stance during a “consultative jirga” convened to discuss the law and order situation in the province, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur. This was the second such gathering, held in accordance with the July 24 multi-party conference declaration.
The first jirga, also led by the chief minister on August 2, included elders from Orakzai and Khyber districts, Darra Adamkhel in Kohat, and Hassankhel in Peshawar. Participants in that session had similarly rejected military offensives and displacements, questioning whether authorities could guarantee in writing that any operation would permanently eliminate terrorism and prevent future interventions.
Monday’s session was attended by Chief Minister’s Adviser Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, Senator Noorul Haq Qadri, the chief secretary, provincial police chief, commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior law enforcement officials, according to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
The jirga thoroughly reviewed the security challenges in Bajaur and Mohmand and put forward several recommendations. Elders reiterated their desire for peace and pledged complete cooperation with the government in combating terrorism, emphasizing that stability was a shared priority.
They categorically rejected the prospect of new military operations or forced migration, terming such measures unacceptable. Instead, the elders proposed establishing a comprehensive and empowered jirga that would include representatives of the federal and provincial governments, tribal leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue with Afghan authorities for a lasting solution to terrorism.
The participants praised the initiative of local jirgas as a constructive step, urging that the process be strengthened and made more effective to benefit other conflict-prone regions as well. The chief minister reportedly sought their input on alternative strategies for restoring peace without resorting to military operations.
