Bannu jirga seeks peace restoration and reopening of roads

BANNU: A peace jirga in Bannu on Thursday called for the restoration of peace, reopening of closed roads and action on public grievances, while warning that an احتجاج sit-in could be held in Islamabad or Peshawar if its demands were not addressed.

The meeting took place at Darul Uloom Islamia seminary and was chaired by Malik Dilnawaz Khan, described as a representative of Bannu residents in Islamabad. Among those attending were former senator Prof Ibrahim Khan, MNA Maulana Syed Naseem Ali Shah, former mayors Irfan Durrani and Junaid Rashid, elders Dr Pir Sahib Zaman, Malik Raza Khan, Malik Nek Daraz Khan, Nisar Khan, Sahibzada Idrees Khan and Mureed Hayat, Traders Association president Gul Pir, as well as tribal elders, religious scholars and representatives of different sections of society from across the district.

Resolutions adopted

Participants unanimously passed resolutions asking the federal and provincial governments to ensure durable peace in the district and address local issues. The jirga also announced complete backing for all lawful steps taken by police and other relevant institutions for peace and stability in Bannu.

While condemning terrorism in all its forms and calling it the biggest hurdle to peace and development, the jirga expressed concern over the alleged detention of citizens by security personnel in plain clothes and over the desecration of dead bodies. It said police should carry out their responsibilities strictly in line with the law and the Police Act, 2017, and stressed that the public would not take up arms.

The jirga urged the provincial government to equip Bannu police with the resources, authority and facilities needed to maintain order in the district. It said the people and elders of Bannu stood shoulder to shoulder with the government and law-enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism.

Demands on roads, cases and development

The gathering paid tribute to members of law-enforcement agencies and civilians killed in recent violence and demanded a special compensation package for their families. It also sought the immediate reopening of major highways and roads linking different parts of Bannu to ease movement and reduce difficulties for residents.

The jirga called for a review of FIRs and cases registered against Bannu elders after the July 19, 2024 peace march, and demanded the immediate release of all innocent individuals, including Abdul Samad Khan. It specifically asked for Juma Khan Road, Kot Adil Road and Amandi Road to be reopened, along with other blocked routes, markets and business centres.

Participants also demanded that development schemes across the district be completed without delay. The elders said they would seek meetings with the corps commander and the chief secretary to press for implementation of their demands.

The jirga warned that if these issues remained unresolved, it could stage a sit-in protest in Islamabad or Peshawar.