A second Jirga between Kurram’s tribal elders was held in Peshawar on Monday following a similar meeting in Islamabad. Jirga members have expressed their agreement over demolishing bunkers and have called on the government to make sure the Kurram peace agreement is implemented.

Members of the jirga, including Munir Bangash and Jalal Bangash, reported positive progress towards resolving disputes and restoring peace.

The council members emphasized the importance of bringing both conflicting parties together, highlighting today’s meeting as a significant step towards achieving lasting peace. Discussions focused on several key areas, including the reopening of roads, the removal of bunkers, and the confiscation of weapons.

Jalal Bangash confirmed that there is agreement on demolishing bunkers and that this process is underway. He also stated that progress has been made on the collection of weapons, and that while an agreement has been reached, further meetings are necessary to ensure its implementation. He added that essential supplies were delivered today through convoys. The jirga, he confirmed, will continue its sessions.

Another Jirga member, Munir Bangash, echoed the sentiment that restoring peace will take time, but expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts. He also addressed the misuse of social media, stating that existing laws will be used to address those who violate them, and called for action by the cybercrime wing against those who violate the law.

The grand Jirga helped bring peace to Kurram district in January which had been embroiled in a violent conflict between Shia and Sunni tribes for over three months. However, the peace brokered by the Jirga has proven to be fragile, with multiple violations being violated in a single month.

The government launched a search and clearance operations in lower Kurram from January 19 to 21 which confiscated a large number of weapons. After the operation, aid convoys have once again started trickling into the region.