Jirga stresses sectarian harmony in Kohat Region

KOHAT: A grand jirga convened at the Kohat Police Club on Tuesday called for ensuring the peaceful observance of Muharram and promoting sectarian harmony in the Kohat Region.

The event was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Zulfiqar Hameed, GOC of 9 Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, and senior officers from the army, police, and civil administration of Kohat, Hangu, Orakzai, and Kurram districts.

The jirga was convened as part of the preparations for maintaining peace during Muharram.Other key participants included Kohat Commissioner Muatasim Billah, Regional Police Officer Abbas Majeed Marwat, District Police Officer Zahidullah, DPOs and DCs from the region, members of the national and provincial assemblies, as well as scholars and elders from both sects. The chief secretary called on community elders to come together to make decisions in the interest of the nation, stressing that lasting peace could only be achieved through their cooperation.

The Kohat commissioner said that elders from both Shia and Sunni communities had assured mutual cooperation and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and harmony. The IGP emphasized that addressing minor issues promptly could prevent major crises in the future.

He assured that all divisions would be provided with necessary facilities and resources during Muharram, and warned that no one would be allowed to disrupt law and order.RPO Abbas Majeed Marwat stated that foolproof security arrangements had been made for the protection of Muharram processions.

He said around 10,000 personnel from the police and army would be deployed across Kohat, Kurram, Orakzai, and adjacent districts during Muharram.Elders and lawmakers from Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, and Orakzai also stressed the need for unity, brotherhood, and inter-sect harmony. The jirga concluded with a collective prayer for the security, peace, and integrity of Pakistan.