Jirga councils being organised in Punjab

LAHORE: Jirga system has been prevalent for almost two decades towards achieving world peace and prosperity in Pakistan.

Rayatullah Khan (Khan Baba) Chairman World Peace Jirga Programme (WPJP) said this in a press conference held at Lahore Press Club on Sunday regarding the performance of Punjab's visit and oath-taking ceremony of WPJP Punjab members.

Backed by the government, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Islamabad, all chief secretaries, commissioners, and DCs have formed local councils at the district level, he said adding now, the WPJP was organising councils in Punjab.

Rayatullah Khan has rendered significant services in Pakistan and around the world, leading to the selection of two children, Malala Yousafzai and Hina Khan, for Nobel Peace Prize in 2012. The WPJP completed its tour of all districts in Punjab. On February 25, 2024, the WPJP caravan visited Sargodha, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Lahore, holding meetings with all commissioners. The purpose of these meetings was to foster harmony at the local level, aiming at peace, progress, and prosperity in every district.

They also aimed to fully support the local administrations against non-state actors, ensuring end to hostile elements mainly for security reasons.

This WPJP project aims to promote harmony at the local level, collaborating with administrations and the Pakistani Amy. It aims to boost commerce and ensure full support by authorities. Local organisations in each district will also be activated to participate in educational, healthcare, and developmental activities. Additionally, they plan to establish an NGO network at the provincial level.

For the past four months, we have been holding discussions with government and launched a campaign advocating for ‘Election first, accountability later.’ He appealed to the government to support the mission.