LOWER DIR: Two prominent jirgas in Lower Dir on Friday announced a joint initiative to maintain peace and protect the region from disruptive elements.

In this regard, a joint meeting of Qaumi Islahi Jirga, Talash Dushkhel, and Qaumi Islahi Jirga, Khadagzai Abazai was held in Talash with an elder, Rustam Khan in the chair.

The meeting was attended by key representatives and selected elders from both the jirgas, who expressed deep concern about the deteriorating law and order situation in the region.

Those in attendance included among others president of Talash jirga Mohammad Ibrahim, general secretary Dr Noor Mohammad, former president Israr Khan, Timergara tehsil chairman Mufti Irfanuddin, dispute resolution council chairman Syed Hassan Advocate, and retired principal Aftab Alam Khan. Khadagzai Abazai jirga president Jehan Bahadar, former district naib nazim Abdul Rashid, former district councillor Ashfaqur Rehman, Dost Dar Khan, Latif Bacha and others also spoke, expressing serious concerns about the worsening security situation.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a joint declaration was issued, stressing the need for collective efforts to uphold peace and prevent the region from falling into the hands of miscreants. The declaration reaffirmed that Talash and Khadagzai Abazai were peaceful areas, home to law-abiding and patriotic citizens, and that no compromise would be made on their security. It further stated that every possible effort would be made to safeguard the region.

To reinforce this commitment, a joint coordination council was formed, consisting of 15 elders from each jirga, with Abdul Rashid Khan and Dr Noor Mohammad appointed as its coordinators. The jirgas also announced their intention to develop a collective strategy and, if necessary, mobilise public demonstrations to ensure the region’s security.

LAID TO REST: Central chairman of Rughani Sadozai Council Salar Wali Roghani was laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard in Showa, Chakdara. He died of cardiac arrest in Islamabad the other day.

Salar Roghani was a prominent figure, who dedicated his life to the welfare and unity of the Rughani Sadozai tribes and the Pashtun community at the national level. His contributions towards their rights were widely recognised.

A large number of people, including political and social figures, as well as individuals from various walks of life, attended his funeral prayers to pay their last respects.

Published in Dawn, March 22nd, 2025