SWAT: The Grand peace Jirga called for the immediate cessation of terrorism, the removal of security checkposts, and an end to self-imposed conflicts in Malakand Division.

The grand peace Jirga organized by Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa North at Saidu Sharif Swat and led by JI-North Amir Inayatullah Khan, the jirga brought together political and tribal leaders, traders, transporters, elders, and activists from all nine districts of the region.

The event underscored the growing urgency for peace and stability in the Malakand Division and across the province.

Addressing the gathering, the speakers unanimously expressed its concerns about the deteriorating security situation in the region. “The people of Malakand have always stood shoulder to shoulder with the government of Pakistan, sacrificing their lives and property to safeguard the country’s ideological and geographical integrity,” they said.

The participants also highlighted the region’s noteworthy contributions to restoring peace during the fight against terrorism, noting the sacrifices of countless civilians and security personnel.

The jirga speakers categorically demanded the cessation of all covert operations contributing to unrest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “Incidents of fabricated terrorism, like those in Bajaur, Kurram, and southern districts, are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in Malakand or any part of our province,” they asserted.

The jirga painted a grim picture of the region’s two-decade-long struggle with violence. It noted that thousands of people, including police officers, soldiers, journalists, and civilians, had lost their lives or suffered injuries. Many have gone missing, and the economic toll has been devastating, with homes destroyed, businesses displaced, and billions worth of infrastructure obliterated.