MOHMAND(National Times)- Tribal elders in Mohmand district have offered to play a role through centuries-old jirga system for reducing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and preventing further escalation in the border region.
The proposal was made during a jirga held in Jirga Hall in Ghalanai here on Tuesday with Deputy Commissioner Mohmand Mohammad Yasir Hassan in the chair. Tribal elders, local stakeholders and representatives of various tribes, affected by the ongoing cross-border tensions, attended the jirga.
Tribal elders including Malik Nadir Manan Kodakhel, Malik Fayyaz Khan Khwaizai, Malik Tahir Akbar Khan, Maiwand Khan of Mohmand Loya Jirga, Malik Ziarat Gul and others also participated in the jirga.
They expressed concerns over the deteriorating security situation along the border with Afghanistan, saying frequent cross-border shelling and tensions were severely affecting locals, particularly members of Nazarkhel, Mullakhel and Daudkhel tribes.
Term jirga system reliable platform for conflict resolution
The elders said that innocent civilians were suffering the most owing to the continued exchange of fire between Pakistani security forces and Afghan Taliban, resulting in displacement, financial losses and disruption of normal life in border areas.
They urged both Pakistani and Afghan authorities to exercise restraint and immediately halt shelling to protect civilian population. They said that the residents of Mohmand, who shared historic, tribal and family ties with people across the border, desired peace and stability.
They said that jirga had historically played an effective role in resolving disputes in the region and could once again serve as a reliable platform for dialogue and conflict resolution.
“We are ready to engage both Pakistani and Afghan authorities to help reduce tensions and restore peace through dialogue, mutual understanding and the jirga system,” an elder said.
The participants of the jirga said that prolonged tensions only intensified hardships for people living in the border areas and called on both sides to prioritise peaceful engagement over confrontation.
Addressing the jirga, the deputy commissioner acknowledged the constructive role played by Mohmand tribes in maintaining peace and supporting state institutions during challenging times.
He said that situation in Mohmand had unique dynamics compared to other border districts, including Chitral and Bajaur. He added that tribal elders could contribute positively to easing tensions.
The deputy commissioner said that consultations would soon be initiated with all stakeholders, including tribal elders, security forces, law enforcement agencies and district administration, to deliberate on a coordinated jirga-based peace initiative.
He said that a meeting of all parties would be convened shortly to discuss practical steps for enabling tribal elders to play a role in promoting peace and stability in the border areas.
He appreciated the continued cooperation of Mohmand tribes with district administration and state institutions and described their support vital for maintaining peace in the region.
