Khalilzad: Pakistan may negatively respond to jirga decisions

KABUL (Pajhwok): Zalmay Khalilzad has called the decisions of the Khyber jirga important, suggesting the Pakistan government’s response could be negative.

The massive tribal assembly concluded on Sunday evening, when Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) chief Manzoor Pashteen announced the jirga decisions.

Pashteen said delegates had decided within two months, the Pakistan army, TTP and ISIS must withdraw from the Pakhtun-inhabited territory.

The jirga also decided all crossings and trade routes along the Durand Line should revert to the rules from 1983 to 2010 that allow Pashtun Afghans to move freely without passports and visas.

On his X handle, US former special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad described the decisions of the Khyber jirga as important.

Khalilzad wrote the government of Pakistan had not yet formally responded to the decisions of the PTM-sponsored jirga, but it might be negative.

Khalilzad hailed the ability of organisers to keep their struggle alive despite the Pakistan government’s "hostile activities" and increasing pressure.

Khalilzad wrote: “It is too soon to assess, but given what they have achieved, the PTM-led effort holds promise. However, greater instability and even conflict cannot be ruled out. Although PTM embraces peaceful means, it is preparing for other options.”

The government of Pakistan is yet to come up with its response to the Khyber jirga, which featured thousands of people, including political figures and human rights activists.

aw/mud