Jirga formed to foster peace, unity in Lower Dir

TIMERGARA: Elders, social and political figures in Talash Dushkhel on Sunday announced the establishment of a Loya Jirga under the supervision of the Islami Jamhoori Falahi Jirga to foster peace, reconciliation, and unity in the area. The decision was taken at a gathering held in the hujra of Dr Mohammad Saleem at Kalpani, Talash. The meeting, chaired by jirga elder Malik Mohammad Irshad, was attended by notables from all parts of Talash, religious, social and political workers.

Former provincial minister Muzzaffar Syed Advocate, retired education officer Ali Haider, DRC Lower Dir member Syed Hasan Advocate, noted educationist Mohammad Rahim Haqqani, retired principal Aftab Alam Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami Overseas Pakistanis president Amir Zaman, Sher Mohammad Utmankhel, Mufti Khalid Mahmood, Mohammad Ayaz and others spoke on the occasion.

Speakers highlighted the traditional role of the jirga system in Pashtun society, terming it an effective mechanism for dispute resolution, social harmony, and community welfare. They said the new jirga would function as a platform to unite people beyond political or tribal divisions.

During the event, Mohammad Rahim Haqqani administered an oath to the participants. According to the decision, retired bank manager Sultan Mohammad was elected as the central president, Ihsanur Rehman as senior vice-president, Maulana Noor Saleem as vice-president, Mohammad Yousaf as general secretary, Misal Khan as joint secretary, Mohammad Ilyas as information secretary, while Rahman Saeed and Zahir Shah were nominated as media coordinators. Senior vice-presidents were also named for each union council.

It was announced that union council-level office-bearers would be chosen, with 10 members each in the consultative council to carry out responsibilities under the jirga’s constitution.

The participants also presented the jirga’s draft constitution, declaring that every resident of Talash Dushkhel could become its member.

The jirga resolved that collective efforts would be made to keep the area peaceful and the law enforcement agencies would be provided with moral support in its war against terrorism.