KABUL (Pajhwok): A joint Afghanistan-Pakistan peace Jirga is scheduled to take place in Peshawar on 31 March to establish a common framework for promoting peace, stability and dialogue between the two neighbouring countries, a media report said on Sunday.
Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary Arbab Shezad Khan announced the Jirga at a joint press conference alongside Qaumi Islahi Tehreek head Haji Sohrab Ali Khan, Geo News reported.
He stated that the gathering will include political leaders, tribal elders, religious scholars, civil society representatives, business figures and media personnel. Individuals who have previously worked on Afghan-Pakistan peace initiatives have also been invited.
“The Jirga will focus on mutual respect, confidence-building and serious negotiations for lasting peace,” Khan said.
He added that a joint declaration in support of peace will be issued at the conclusion and sent to both governments.
Participants are expected to urge Afghan and Pakistani leaders to implement an immediate ceasefire, reduce tensions and resolve all issues through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
The announcement follows a violation of Afghan airspace by the Pakistani military regime, which carried out airstrikes on several civilian areas on 22 February.
In response, Afghan forces launched retaliatory attacks on Pakistani posts along the Durand Line on 26 February.
At least 400 people were martyred and 250 others wounded in a Pakistani military airstrike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul on 16 March.
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