Jirga concerned over poor law and order in Malakand Division

MINGORA: The Swat Qaumi Jirga has voiced concerns over the worsening law and order in Malakand Division, warning that if the federal and provincial governments failed to take decisive action against militants, a grand jirga will be convened in December at the divisional level.

Speaking at a press conference here, Jirga members including Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai, Khurshid Kaka Jee, Sher Shah Khan, Alhaj Zahid Khan, Akhtar Ali Khanjee, Sher Bahadur Zada, Ahmed Shah Khan and Dr Khalid Mahmood said the recent surge in terrorism sparked fear, unrest, and uncertainty among the local population.

They recalled that following continuous protests four months ago, the Commissioner Malakand and Deputy Commissioner Swat had assured the public that militants would be eliminated within a month and peace would be restored. “However, four months have passed, and the situation has deteriorated further,” they said, noting an alarming increase in violent incidents.

The leaders condemned the recent assassination attempt on known elder Mumtaz Ali Khan, calling it a stark reminder of the gravity of the threat. They added that despite government claims that the police force was capable of combating terrorism, the ground realities indicated otherwise, strengthening public perception that both the federal and provincial governments were not taking the issue seriously.

The leaders warned that attempts were being made to destabilise Swat and the entire Malakand Division, which they said the people would never accept. They demanded the federal and provincial authorities to adopt practical and result-oriented measures to restore peace.