Peshawar Peace Jirga Urges Taliban and Pakistan to Reduce Tensions

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Afghan Verified) -- A peace jirga composed of political, religious, and tribal elders convened in Peshawar to call on Pakistan and the Taliban to reduce tensions and return to peace after weeks of intense clashes.

The clashes, involving border and aerial attacks, resulted in dozens killed and thousands displaced. They resumed following a temporary ceasefire before Eid al-Fitr. Pakistan accuses the Taliban of providing safe havens for militants launching attacks on Pakistan, accusations denied by the Taliban.

The jirga was organized by the Sustainable Reforms Advocacy Institution in Policy and Implementation and Social Movement Tehreek-e-Islahi Qaumi. Participants included tribal elders, political and religious leaders, civil society representatives, and merchants.

Arbab Khudayar Hayat, an organizer, stated that invitations had been extended to political parties, tribal elders, and the business community from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and border areas. He said the jirga presented proposals for de-escalation and invited Taliban participation through a similar council.

Fayaz Khan Taraki, Labor Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, welcomed the initiative as a positive step toward peace and called for negotiations with the Taliban.

The gathering reflects ongoing efforts by local advocacy groups and provincial officials to mediate amid cross-border hostilities.