Peshawar Peace Jirga Calls for Ceasefire and Dialogue Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Afghan Verified) -- A peace jirga convened in Peshawar on Tuesday urged a ceasefire and dialogue to ease tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The gathering, organized by groups including the ASPIRE or Spier Foundation and the Ethnic or National Reform Movement, brought together Pakistani tribal elders, political leaders and civil society representatives. It took place at the Regional Studies Center of the University of Peshawar and lasted four hours, according to Amu TV. Participants focused on issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amu TV reported.

Amu TV sources said no one representing Afghanistan attended the jirga, which ended on 11 Hamal (April 1). The outlet quoted organizers calling for a resumption of talks between the Taliban and Pakistan to reduce border tensions.

Ariana News reported that the jirga called on the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to halt ongoing clashes along the Durand Line -- referred to as "imaginary" by the outlet -- and resolve disputes through diplomacy. It urged assurances against using each other's territory against one another and the creation of a permanent platform for sustained engagement based on shared ties.

Arbab Shehzad, Sohrab Ali and Shaukatullah Khan were among those addressing the jirga, per Amu TV. Shehzad, identified as an organizer, emphasized the need for peace, while Ali called for halting military operations.