Latest news with #Jirga
Express Tribune
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thousands rally in Dir Lower for peace
Thousands of local residents participated in Aman Pasawon in Dir Lower district on Sunday and protested against the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. They demanded decisive action against terrorists in the region to ensure lasting peace. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Population Welfare, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, addressed the gathering in Maidan, stressing that peace is the fundamental need of society and that all citizens must play an active role in maintaining it. Expressing gratitude to the people of Maidan, local elders, youth, and the Maidan Action Committee, he said, "Today's gathering is living proof that the people of Maidan categorically reject unrest, extremism, and chaos. We want peace for the bright future of our children, the comfort of our homes, and the development of our region and we are united in this goal." Applauding the spirit of the local population, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan highlighted their patience, resilience, and awareness during challenging times. "This unity, this awareness, and this collective voice bind us together today with renewed resolve," he added. He also acknowledged the participation and solidarity shown by tribal elders, youth, civil society, and leaders of the Maidan Action Committee at the peace gathering. Reaffirming the government's commitment, the Special Assistant assured the public of full support from the provincial government at every level for the promotion of peace, development, and public welfare. It may be recalled that on Friday, thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community. The Utmanzai Jirga announced that the next Aman Pasoon will be held in the Datta Khel tehsil of North Waziristan, where residents have been under curfew for the past eleven days. The Jirga urged the government to ease the restrictions and resolve all issues through dialogue and mutual consultation.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Utmanzai Jirga rejects more military Ops
Restoring peace and ensuring law and order in North Waziristan is the state's responsibility, and like citizens of other regions, the people of Utmanzai tribe deserve a peaceful life. These views were expressed during the "Aman Pasoon" (Peace Gathering) organized by the Utmanzai Jirga in Miranshah, the district headquarters of North Waziristan. Thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PARTLY FACETIOUS: The system is in place so shut up or put up
'Why are you in mourning?' 'The death…' 'Inna Lillahi wainnailaihiraji'un' (we belong to Allah and to him we will return).' 'Hmmmm.' 'What?' 'I was wondering about the relevance of what you said. The reason is, the death I am mourning is not of an individual but of an ideology.' 'What ideology?' 'Democracy.' 'Dear Lord, you are one of those who seek to divide and rule.' 'Excuse me?' 'As our friend Raisani said about his degree – a degree is a degree, fake or not. So my response to you is form 45 or form 47 are forms and there is no need to synchronize…' 'You are being facetious?' 'No. It has been over a year and a half, the system is in place so shut up or put up.' 'The Man Who Must Remain Nameless and Faceless is trying to put up, but his arms have been amputated and…' 'Shut up. Besides, I wasn't referring to our democracy because it's never matured. I reckon in terms of human age democracy is a newborn not even a toddler.' 'Are you referring to democracy in…in….' 'The Europeans are being led not by the largest parties that were voted to power but a coalition….' 'Right wing parties have rightly been sidelined and cases against their leaders are barring them from the next elections…' 'But if that's what their people want, the majority want an end of support for Israel! They don't want to fight Russia and want cheap Russian oil. They want Chinese cheap EVs! They want…' 'People don't know what's good for them. Others much more qualified know…' 'Isn't that a sort of Jirga system?' 'Hallelujah! Welcome to the West: democracy is replaced by Jirga.' 'Took them quite a few centuries…' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Reviving Jirgas: undoing constitutional gains
The writer is a former Secretary to Government, Home and Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IGP. He can be reached at syed_shah94@ Listen to article Recent discussions at the federal level about reviving the Jirga system in the merged tribal districts are deeply concerning and deserve serious national scrutiny. These proposals, if pursued, will mark a dangerous reversal of one of Pakistan's most significant constitutional reforms — the merger of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa under the 25th Constitutional Amendment carried out in 2018. Let us be clear — this is not a benign attempt to honour local traditions. It is a calculated effort to restore an extra-constitutional governance system that historically denied due process, judicial recourse and civil rights to millions. The Jirga system, once embedded in the draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), operated without legal representation, judicial oversight or accountability. Its revival would amount to institutional regression — unconstitutional, undemocratic and unjust. The 25th Amendment was not a cosmetic change. It abolished FATA's special status, repealed the FCR, extended the jurisdiction of the superior judiciary and brought its people under the same constitutional protections as other Pakistani citizens. It was a democratic milestone that ended over a century of legal and political isolation. Undoing this would mean reneging on a solemn constitutional promise. Under Pakistan's federal structure, the Constitution clearly delineates the domains of the federal and provincial governments. Justice administration and local governance are provincial subjects. Any attempt by the federal government to reintroduce Jirgas in the merged districts — whether directly or indirectly — would violate these constitutional boundaries and erode the authority of provincial institutions. Worse still, such a move contradicts the spirit and letter of the National Action Plan (NAP), which aimed at integrating FATA into the national mainstream through constitutional, legal and administrative reforms. Reviving Jirgas undermines this integration and promotes the dangerous notion that certain regions are unfit for constitutional governance. Proponents of Jirga revival often frame it as a culturally rooted mechanism for community-based dispute resolution. However, historical realities contradict this romanticised view. The Jirga system was an instrument of colonial control, working alongside political agents under laws that enforced collective punishment and denied civil liberties. Far from resisting militancy, these structures often coexisted with non-state actors and failed to provide justice or security. One must ask: before the merger, did Jirgas ensure justice? Did they resist militants? The answer is a resounding no. The pre-merger system fostered a dual governance structure — state-imposed on one side and militant-enforced on the other. The merger was intended to end this dangerous ambiguity and place the region firmly under constitutional rule. Rolling back this reform would restore that confusion and embolden non-democratic forces. It is important to acknowledge that progress since the merger has been uneven. Governance remains weak, development inadequate, and public services insufficient. But the remedy lies in accelerating reforms — not abandoning them. Instead of reviving outdated systems, efforts should focus on strengthening local governments, expanding the formal justice system, ensuring equitable development and building trust in constitutional institutions. The socio-economic realities of the merged districts are stark. With a population of over 5.743162 million across 27,000 square kilometres, the region remains among the most underdeveloped in the country. The literacy rate stands at a dismal 33%, with female literacy as low as 12.7%, compared to the national average of 47% for women. Healthcare infrastructure is alarmingly poor, with one hospital bed for 2,574 people and just one doctor available for 6,630 residents. Only 43% of the population has access to safe drinking water. These figures point to decades of neglect. In 2015-16, a mere Rs19.7 billion were allocated to development activities for the entire region. Such chronic underinvestment contributed to the backwardness and governance vacuum that the merger sought to address. The solution lies not in reviving Jirgas but in redoubling efforts for institutional reform and economic uplift. Reinstating the Jirga system would not only roll back hard-won constitutional rights but also reinforce a narrative of exclusion and inequality. It sends a chilling message: that some citizens are less deserving of constitutional protections than others. This is not only unlawful — it is unacceptable in a democratic polity. The path forward is clear. Uphold the Constitution. Empower elected local institutions. Strengthen formal justice mechanisms. Honour the promises made to the people of the merged districts. The constitutional integration of these areas is not just a legal matter — it is the foundation of any lasting peace, justice, and development. Pakistan made a historic and bold choice by extending the full scope of constitutional rights, responsibilities, and protections to all its citizens. To retreat from this commitment would be to step back into a legal and institutional darkness that the country can ill afford.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thousands rally in Bajaur, Lower Dir
Tens of thousands rally in Bajaur tribal district against rising lawlessness, demanding decisive action on terrorism. PHOTO: EXPRESS A massive peace rally was organized in Bajaur to protest the rising lawlessness in the region, drawing thousands of participants. Prominent attendees included MNA Mubarak Zeb Khan, MPAs and DDAC Chairman Dr Hamidur Rehman, Anwar Zeb Khan, Nisar Baz, Tehsil Chairmen Haji Syed Badshah and Dr Khalilur Rehman, former MNAs Shahabuddin Khan, Syed Akhunzada Chattan, and Gul Dad Khan, along with tribal elders Malik Sultan Zeb, Sahibzada Haroon Rashid, Maulana Waheed Gul, Haji Sardar Khan, Malik Khalid Khan, and representatives of various organizations. Speakers at the event criticized successive military operations conducted in Bajaur under different names over the years, claiming they had failed to restore peace. They condemned the government's backtracking on promises made during the merger of the tribal areas and accused authorities of imposing taxes that threaten the remaining livelihoods of locals. The participants also denounced the formation of a new government committee, saying it appeared to be a distraction, with talk of reviving outdated systems like the Jirga. In a joint declaration at the rally's conclusion, the people of Bajaur rejected the ongoing violence and what they called oppressive treatment by the state. They warned that if their demands were not met, they would launch a peaceful protest march and sit-in. The declaration also rejected the imposition of all types of taxes on tribal areas and the formation of the said committee. The rally strongly condemned the recent assassination of Awami National Party leader Maulana Khan Zaib in Bajaur and held a collective prayer for his soul. Meanwhile, a peaceful rally was held in the Kambat Maidan area of Lower Dir under the leadership of Advocate Jabar Khan, drawing a large number of participants. The rally aimed to raise awareness about the growing insecurity in the region and to highlight public concerns. Addressing the gathering, speakers including Rasheed Afghan, Wakeel Khan, Taimoor Khan Afghan, Ezaaz, Nawabzada Jawad Ali, and Ahmad Pashtun emphasized that the people of Lower Dir desire lasting peace. However, the ongoing incidents of violence have left the community deeply distressed. They condemned the brutal killing of Maulana Khan Zaib in Bajaur and called on the government to take immediate and effective measures to restore peace in the area. The speakers stressed that the public can no longer tolerate further unrest and reminded the authorities of their responsibility to protect citizens. The rally concluded peacefully, with participants vowing to continue raising their voices for their rights. Tribesmen and peace activists are holding protest rallies against the increasing lawlessness in several districts of K-P, demanding implementation of national action plan.
