Peshawar: Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relations, Barrister Dr. Saif, has emphasized that initiating dialogue with Afghanistan is essential for establishing sustainable peace in the province. He stated that recommendations from local jirgas (tribal councils) also support negotiations with Afghanistan as a pathway to lasting peace.
In a statement issued from his office, Dr. Saif said that peace could not be fully achieved in the newly merged districts or the broader province without taking Afghanistan into confidence. He said that Afghanistan was a key stakeholder in the peace process, given the shared border of over 2,200 kilometers between Afghanistan and the merged districts.
Dr. Saif stressed the need for forming a joint jirga comprising provincial, federal, and tribal elders to facilitate these critical talks. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the provincial government was taking serious and concrete steps toward peace. As part of these efforts, local jirgas were currently being held and were expected to conclude by next week. A grand jirga will follow, where comprehensive recommendations for sustainable peace will be formulated.
“Peace is the top priority of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, as no development can occur without it,” said Dr. Saif. He also pointed out that the federal government must play its role in ensuring peace in the merged districts, as these areas lie along the border and fall under federal jurisdiction for border management. Strengthening the border requires active federal involvement, making dialogue with Afghanistan unavoidable.
Referring to the recent All Parties Conference convened by Chief Minister Gandapur for peace in the merged districts, Dr. Saif expressed regret over the opposition parties’ boycott. However, he affirmed that the provincial government’s efforts toward peace will continue despite the boycott and are expected to yield long-term results.
In conclusion, Dr. Saif reiterated that achieving lasting peace in the merged districts requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including Afghanistan, local tribal elders, and political representatives.