SWAT: A jirga here on Sunday demanded immediate end to incidents of terrorism and removal of security checkposts in Malakand division.

Organised by Jamaat-i-Islami in Saidu Sharif, the jirga brought together political and tribal leaders, traders, transporters, elders, and activists from all nine districts of the region. JI leader Inayatullah Khan presided over the event.

Addressing the gathering, speakers unanimously expressed concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the region. “The people of Malakand have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the government of Pakistan, sacrificing their lives and properties to safeguard the country’s ideological and geographical integrity,” they said.

The participants of the jirga also highlighted the region’s noteworthy contribution to restoring peace during the fight against terrorism, recalling the sacrifices of civilians and security personnel.

They demanded end to all covert operations, saying those actions were contributing to unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Incidents of fabricated terrorism, like those in Bajaur, Kurram and southern districts are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in Malakand or any part of our province,” they said.

The jirga painted a grim picture of the region’s two-decade struggle with violence. It noted that thousands of people including police officers, soldiers, journalists and civilians lost their lives or suffered injuries. “Many have gone missing and the economic toll has been devastating, with homes destroyed, businesses displaced, and infrastructure worth billion of rupees obliterated,” they added.

The participants of jirga strongly criticised security checkpoints in the region, describing them as instruments of public humiliation rather than peace. “Terrorists do not pass through these checkpoints. Instead, they serve only to undermine the dignity of our people,” they said. They called for immediate removal of all such checkpoints and urged security forces to fulfil their responsibility of ensuring peace without disrupting public life.

They demanded immediate measures to maintain law and order across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, removal of all security checkpoints in Malakand division, an end to use of non-state actors to destabilise the region and swift action to arrest and prosecute the people responsible for targeted killings.

“If these demands are not met, the government will leave us with no choice but to initiate a peaceful protest movement,” they said. Their proposed actions include a peace march, blockade of major highways and a march on Islamabad.

The jirga announced formation of a special committee to document the region’s losses in a detailed whitepaper which will serve as basis for a judicial commission led by retired judges of Supreme Court. “The truth must come to light, and those responsible must face justice,” said the jirga members.

The gathering ended with a firm resolve to safeguard peace, dignity and future of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Our love for Pakistan and Islam remains unshaken, but we will not allow this love to be exploited against us,” one of the speakers declared.

Published in Dawn, December 9th, 2024