Jirga brokers ceasefire at Afghan border in Kurram

PARACHINAR: A jirga comprising tribal elders and officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan on Saturday agreed on a ceasefire to open the border crossing for passengers and trade activities.

A tribal elder Jalal Bangash, who was a member of the jirga, told reporters that the jirga agreed to open the Pak-Afghan border in Kurram for passengers after the ceasefire. He said the Ulema, tribal elders and Pakistani and Afghan officials attended the jirga that agreed to open the border and broker a ceasefire.

He said that the jirga also decided to constitute a joint committee to ensure peace at the border region and resolve all the disputes through talks. Jalal Khan said that both sides would have to abide by the ceasefire to open the border as soon as possible. He said that the elders and the officials concerned had agreed to all the points and another jirga would soon be convened.

The local elders in Kurram tribal district had launched efforts to diffuse tension and restore normalcy after recent firing incidents between the two sides.

The notables were trying to talk out the issues and restore calm in the border region. The educational institutions in the border areas also remained closed while the people had started moving to safer places due to the tension.