KP Peace Jirga Demands Action: Assembly Confidence, CTD Lead, and Check-Post Removal Plans

at 11:16 AM

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly Peace Jirga has issued a joint declaration, signed by the Speaker and 20 other Jirga members. This declaration outlines concrete proposals for addressing critical provincial issues, including terrorism, law and order, inter-provincial relations, and financial rights.

​The Jirga called for the Provincial Assembly to be taken into confidence regarding the elimination of terrorism and demanded the immediate implementation of Assembly resolutions related to law and order. The declaration suggests that the provincial government and the Assembly should devise a Provincial Action Plan. To ensure security, the Jirga recommends that the Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) be entrusted with the leadership of internal security and that these institutions be strengthened.

​Furthermore, it was demanded that the KP Assembly be given an in-camera briefing by security agencies on the legal grounds and specifics of operations related to terrorism and militancy. The declaration also emphasizes developing a cohesive policy to end illegal taxation, extortion, and the unauthorized excavation of minerals in conflict-ridden areas.

​The Jirga also called for the establishment of peace forums at the provincial level, which would include non-governmental members, and the creation of cells for coordination between the Police, Cantonment, and local bodies at the civic level. A key goal for these cells is to establish time-bound plans for the removal of check-posts.

​Regarding Pakistan-Afghanistan foreign policy, the Jirga demanded that the Federal Government consult the provincial government during policy formulation and prioritize diplomacy. As a major economic step, it was recommended that all historical Pak-Afghan trade routes be immediately opened.

​At the internal level, the Jirga proposed that the tensions between the Federal and Provincial governments be reduced, and that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting be convened as per its constitutional term.

​A significant portion of the declaration focuses on the financial stability of the province. The Jirga demanded the immediate release of the constitutional financial rights owed to the province by the Federation.
​To improve the financial system, it was recommended that the National Finance Commission (NFC) be linked with the Provincial Finance Commission. Additionally, emphasis was placed on amending relevant laws to ensure the stability and financial security of local governments.

​Finally, to ensure food supply, the Jirga demanded the implementation of Article 151 (Inter-Provincial Trade) to ensure the timely delivery of wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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