PTM banned, says Saif as Gandapur convenes jirga after Khyber clashes

PESHAWAR: As workers of the recently banned Pashtun Tahafus Movement (PTM) workers clashed with police in Khyber district ahead of a proposed Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur convened a jirga to discuss the Khyber incident.

The KP chief minister has invited all parties to participate in the jirga. Police and PTI workers engaged in bloody clashes in the Khyber district with the proscribed entity alleging that three of its workers were killed and dozens injured.

The local police and administration said that the Peshwar High Court has barred the PTM from holding the jirga in Khyber district and Section 144 was enfored in the area.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information, Barrister Saif said in a video statement that the federal government has issued a notification banning the PTM, which cannot be permitted to hold the Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga from October 11 to October 13.

He said that the PTM is now not allowed to hold any rally, procession, or other activities, as it is involved in anti-constitution and anti-state activities.

“After being declared a banned organization, all its activities have been prohibited, and Section 144 is currently in place in Khyber district,” he said.

Barrister Saif said despite the imposition of Section 144, the banned organization attempted to assemble in the area, leading to clashes with the police.

“As soon as this unpleasant incident was reported, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur took immediate notice and directed local assembly members to assist in finding a peaceful solution to the issue,” he said while referring to the Khyber incident.

He said that the elders of the Kuki Khel tribe have also been engaged to help facilitate a peaceful settlement.

“These measures are being implemented under the supervision of the Peshawar commissioner and the district administration, which is working to maintain public order,” he said.

“The KP chief minister is taking this matter very seriously, as the provincial government is responsible for public safety,” he said urging all  parties to participate in the jirga convened by the chief minister to resolve the issue amicably.

Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has expressed sorrow over the deaths of three individuals during the police and FC action at a jirga in Khyber district.

A special committee, headed by the provincial law minister, has been formed to resolve the issue.

Both government and opposition members of the provincial assembly have urged the federal government to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than violence.

With the approval of the provincial assembly, the speaker set up a special committee led by Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam and members of the provincial assembly to probe the matter.

A meeting of the committee has been scheduled for Thursday, during which the chief secretary, the police chief and additional secretary of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department for a detailed presentation on the Khyber incident.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that the PTM, which has been banned by the Ministry of Interior, cannot be permitted to establish a parallel judicial system.

Addressing a press conference, Naqvi warned that anyone supporting the PTM or attempting to participate in its upcoming Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga will face legal consequences.