Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced a grand peace jirgah to be held on October 25 in Bara Tehsil, Khyber District. The initiative aims to unite tribal elders, political leaders, and youth from across the province to develop strategies for the restoration of lasting peace in the region.
In his statement shared on X, Afridi emphasised that the jirgah would bring together representatives from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation. “For the establishment of peace, a grand peace jirgah of tribal elders, leaders, and youth — transcending political lines — will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in Khyber District, Bara Tehsil,” he stated.
The Chief Minister stressed that the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must play the leading role in shaping their own future. “The people of KP will themselves decide their lives and their future,” Afridi asserted. He vowed that no one would be allowed to impose externally made decisions on the province, reaffirming his government’s alignment with Imran Khan’s ideology and its commitment to protecting public interests.
Afridi’s announcement comes at a time when the province has witnessed a renewed wave of terrorist attacks. The resurgence of violence followed the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) decision in late 2022 to abandon its ceasefire agreement with the government and resume targeting security officials and law enforcement agencies.
In response to escalating violence, security forces launched “Operation Sarbakaf” in July this year in the Lowi Mamund area of KP. Supported by gunship helicopters and artillery, the operation aimed to dismantle militant hideouts but faced opposition from provincial leadership, which called for political engagement over military action.
Earlier, various political groups and civil society representatives had also advocated for dialogue-based conflict resolution. In July, the Awami National Party (ANP) hosted a jirgah in Peshawar, rejecting the launch of any new military operations. The gathering demanded a political roadmap to counter terrorism and restore peace through consensus rather than force.
Similarly, in August, former KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced a series of jirgas to oppose the military operation in Bajaur. He insisted that any counterterrorism effort must be conducted in consultation with provincial stakeholders to prevent civilian displacement.
These recurring jirgahs underscore the deep-rooted tribal and cultural tradition of resolving conflicts through dialogue. Afridi’s upcoming grand jirgah seeks to channel this approach into a unified framework for long-term stability.
Political analysts view the move as an attempt to rebuild trust between the government, tribal communities, and law enforcement institutions. The planned jirgah is expected to deliver key recommendations on counterterrorism coordination, tribal cooperation, and socio-economic recovery in conflict-affected areas.
As security challenges persist across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the October 25 jirgah could serve as a pivotal moment for peacebuilding. By fostering collaboration and amplifying local voices, Afridi’s administration hopes to chart a new path toward peace rooted in dialogue and self-determination.
