ANP-led peace jirga calls sit-in at Islamabad over security collapse

PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party (ANP) on Saturday hosted a major multi-party peace jirga in Peshawar, calling upon all political parties and tribal leaders to jointly organise protest sit-ins in Islamabad against the worsening law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The national peace jirga, held at Bacha Khan Markaz under ANP’s leadership, saw representation from JUI-F, PPP, National Democratic Movement, Qaumi Watan Party, and various tribal elders.

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After detailed discussion and deliberations, the peace iirga issued a 28-point joint declaration, voicing grave concerns unanimously over the resurgence of terrorism and lawlessness in KP and the former tribal areas. They demanded urgent reforms to restore peace, uphold constitutional rights, and ensure civilian supremacy.

#قامي_امن_جرګه سے نیشنل ڈیموکریٹک موومنٹ (NDM) کی مرکزی ترجمان جمیلہ گیلانی کا خطاب#قامي_امن_جرګه #ANP #NDM pic.twitter.com/Xv4bJ6IXUk

— Awami National Party (@ANPMarkaz) July 26, 2025

The peace jirga called on the central leadership of the provincial political parties to form a joint jirga tasked with engaging the federal government and the establishment over the deteriorating law and order situation in KP in general, and in the former tribal areas in particular.

It was resolved that “every possible avenue” would be explored to ensure peace in the province.

Additionally, the peace jirga declared Maulana Khan Zeb, who was recently assassinated, as a “national martyr of the Pakhtun nation and land”, calling on the federal government to form a judicial commission within 10 days under a Supreme Court judge to investigate his killing.

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It also rejected the recently proposed Federal Frontier Constabulary law and demanded that policing powers remain with the civilian police force.

Addressing a press conference after the conclusion of the peace jirga, ANP provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain said 21 military operations had taken place in KP without lasting peace.

عوامی نیشنل پارٹی خیبرپختونخوا کے زیرِ اہتمام منعقدہ قومی امن جرگہ نے متفقہ طور پر صوبائی کمیٹی تشکیل دے دی۔ کمیٹی کی سربراہی اے این پی خیبرپختونخوا کے صدر میاں افتخار حسین کریں گے، جبکہ دیگر سیاسی جماعتوں کے صوبائی صدور اور مختلف تنظیموں کے عہدیداران اس کے اراکین ہوں گے۔
اعلامیے… pic.twitter.com/4mx6NsZdDC

— Awami National Party (@ANPMarkaz) July 26, 2025

He criticised the “good Taliban, bad Taliban” policy and rejected drone warfare on Pakistani soil.

Highlights of peace jirga declaration

1. A firm demand for the full implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the immediate announcement of a new National Finance Commission (NFC) award.
2. Rejection of all forms of violence and the state’s policy of distinguishing between “good” and “bad” militants.
3. The peace jirga called for dismantling all militant strongholds, ending support to violent outfits, and full enforcement of the 2014 National Action Plan.
4. An immediate repeal of the draconian “Action in Aid of Civil Power” law in KP, with a demand to present missing persons in court and criminalise enforced disappearances.
5. Transfer of all administrative powers to civilian institutions in merged districts, with law enforcement handed over to the police.
6. Rejection of any new proxy wars in the region. The jirga said terrorism has become a source of income for certain elements and called for legal action against them.
7. The jirga demanded compensation for destroyed properties and creation of livelihood opportunities for communities affected by military operations.
8. Neutrality in global conflicts and fostering peaceful, brotherly ties with all neighbouring countries to promote trade and regional stability.
9. Assurance of democratic governance by empowering elected parliament and halting unconstitutional interference by undemocratic forces.
10. Fulfilment of federal obligations, including Rs100 billion annual development funds for merged districts, establishment of universities in each district, and tax exemptions for 10 years.
11. Empowerment of elected representatives and civil administration in merged districts, implementation of pre-merger agreements, recruitment of 22,000 khasadars, and rebuilding of roads, hospitals, and colleges.
12. Restoration of mobile and internet services, digitisation of land records, removal of excessive check posts, and revival of medical and engineering seats and scholarships for students from merged areas.
13. The peace jirga made a strong call to end the longstanding exploitation of smaller nations within the federation, with the uninterrupted devolution of powers as promised under the 18th Amendment.

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