Pashteen: Jirga to proceed as scheduled; Gandapur pledges support

Kabul (Pajhwok): Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), announced on Friday that the grand jirga will take place as scheduled and safely.

He made the remarks after a meeting with Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  Ali Amin Ghandapur.

The Jirga is scheduled to take place today (Friday) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Just a day earlier, the funeral prayers were held for four individuals who, according to reports, were killed by Pakistani forces in the same area.

According to a BBC report, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen, during a joint press conference with Chief Minister Ghandapur, affirmed that the Pashtun Jirga would be conducted on time and peacefully.

He emphasized that the Pashtun community would not forgive anyone for the blood of their people over the past decades, including journalists, lawyers, doctors, students, political party members, elders, and ordinary citizens, as well as the PTM supporters killed just a day earlier in Khyber.

He added that the Pashtuns would not forgive even the blood of "their one martyr," and that "everyone will be held accountable." He highlighted the necessity of the Jirga for people to express their concerns, share their grief, and discuss pressing issues collectively.

Pashteen said that consultations would take place regarding these matters during the Jirga.

Ghandapur, who led the discussions with the PTM, said that he would support any decisions made by the Jirga.

In response to a question regarding the attack by Pakistani security forces on Jirga participants in Khyber, he condemned any interference by the federal government in the affairs of the province, which disrupts Pashtun traditions (Jirgas).

He underlined that tribes have made significant sacrifices for Pakistan and its security.

He added, "They have sacrificed alongside these martyrs, but this time, their sacrifice will yield results. Our future generations will enjoy peace and a better future in Pakistan."

He reiterated that the Jirga would take place as planned and would be successful, attributing this to the sacrifices made by the people.

Ghandapur assured that the attendees would discuss various issues and demands, and he pledged to support any decisions made afterward as the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and personally.

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