Mohmand elders offer jirga role to help ease Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions

MOHMAND: Tribal elders in Mohmand district have offered to use the traditional jirga mechanism to help lower tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and avert any further deterioration in the border region.

The proposal came during a jirga held at Jirga Hall in Ghalanai on Tuesday, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohmand Mohammad Yasir Hassan. The meeting was attended by tribal elders, local stakeholders and representatives of several tribes affected by the continuing cross-border tensions.

Among those present were Malik Nadir Manan Kodakhel, Malik Fayyaz Khan Khwaizai, Malik Tahir Akbar Khan, Maiwand Khan of Mohmand Loya Jirga, Malik Ziarat Gul and other elders.

Participants voiced concern over the worsening security situation along the border with Afghanistan, saying repeated cross-border shelling and tensions were having a serious impact on local communities, especially members of the Nazarkhel, Mullakhel and Daudkhel tribes.

Elders call for restraint

The elders said civilians were bearing the brunt of the continued exchange of fire between Pakistani security forces and the Afghan Taliban. According to the participants, the situation has led to displacement, economic losses and disruption to daily life in border areas.

They urged the authorities in both Pakistan and Afghanistan to show restraint and stop shelling immediately in order to protect civilians. The elders said residents of Mohmand, who have longstanding tribal, historical and family links with communities across the border, wanted peace and stability.

They also said the jirga system had historically served as an effective means of settling disputes in the region and could again provide a dependable forum for dialogue and conflict resolution.

“We are ready to engage both Pakistani and Afghan authorities to help reduce tensions and restore peace through dialogue, mutual understanding and the jirga system,” an elder said.

The jirga participants said prolonged tensions were only deepening the difficulties faced by people living in the border belt and called on both sides to give priority to peaceful engagement instead of confrontation.

Deputy commissioner backs consultations

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Yasir Hassan acknowledged the role played by Mohmand tribes in preserving peace and supporting state institutions during difficult periods.

He said the situation in Mohmand had its own dynamics compared to other border districts, including Chitral and Bajaur, and added that tribal elders could make a positive contribution towards reducing tensions.

The deputy commissioner said consultations would soon begin with all relevant stakeholders, including tribal elders, security forces, law enforcement agencies and the district administration, to consider a coordinated peace initiative based on the jirga system.

He added that a meeting of all parties would be convened shortly to discuss practical measures for enabling tribal elders to play a role in promoting peace and stability in the border areas.

He also appreciated the continued cooperation of Mohmand tribes with the district administration and state institutions, describing their support as important for maintaining peace in the region.