Peshawar to host crucial Pak-Afghan Peace Jirga amid escalating tensions

PESHAWAR: A joint Pakistan-Afghanistan peace jirga is scheduled to be held in Peshawar on March 31, aiming to develop a joint framework for peace, stability and dialogue between the two neighbouring countries.

The announcement was made by former KP chief secretary Arbab Shezad Khan, who currently heads Aspire-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during a joint press conference with Haji Sohrab Ali Khan.

The development comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing military operation, Operation Ghazab lil-Haq, launched last month against militants and their support infrastructure in Afghanistan following heightened border tensions.

Arbab Shezad Khan said the jirga would bring together political leaders, tribal elders, religious scholars, civil society members, business representatives and media persons. He added that individuals who have previously played a role in promoting Pak-Afghan peace have also been invited.

“The peace jirga will focus on mutual respect, trust-building and meaningful negotiations for lasting peace,” he said, adding that a joint declaration would be issued and shared with both governments.

He described the initiative as a “need of the hour” given the prevailing tensions, noting that similar jirgas are also planned in Quetta and other regions to broaden stakeholder engagement.

Participants are expected to call on leadership in both countries to implement an immediate ceasefire, reduce tensions and resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomatic means.

Rising Pak-Afghan tensions

The recent strain in ties follows Pakistan’s retaliatory actions after a series of suicide attacks in Islamabad, Bajaur and Bannu, which authorities say were traced to militants operating from Afghan territory.

Tensions had briefly eased after a ceasefire agreement in October 2025 but were reignited when Afghan Taliban forces allegedly opened unprovoked fire at multiple border points.

Pakistan maintains that such actions facilitated militant infiltration, while subsequent talks — including those held in Doha and Istanbul — failed to yield lasting results, with Islamabad stressing the need for concrete action against terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.

The upcoming jirga is being viewed as a renewed effort to steer both sides back toward dialogue and de-escalation.