ISLAMABAD, June 05 ( Alliance News): The 57-member jirga, which held talks with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), returned to Pakistan without much progress after militants demanded an end to FATA’s integration into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to details , the jirga consisted of tribal elders, politicians and members of parliament who met senior leaders of the banned TTP for two days at the Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul and discussed the most controversial issue of FATA integration. Discussed demands.
A senior member of the jirga said, “The overall atmosphere during the talks was very positive. There was a long discussion. They had their own point of view and ours.”
“We explained to them that the 25th amendment that led to the integration of FATA had political consensus and parliamentary support. Even the Supreme Court of Pakistan ratified it. We do not have this amendment null and void,” he said. We have the authority to make a commitment and we think it would be impossible to end it given the broad political support of a large section of the tribal people.
He said the jirga had sought three months for mutual consultation and dialogue with key stakeholders, including the political and military leadership, so that suggestions could be made to address their concerns within the constitutional framework.
“We can still meet during this time and keep in touch to exchange views, but we have to complete our work within a time frame of 3 months,” he added.
He suggested that the 25th Amendment could be amended without changing its spirit, but that it could not be repealed.
He added that the TTP appears to be under pressure from its Afghan hosts to resolve its issues with Pakistan.
He said that acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani had said that “ending the TTP dispute with Pakistan is in the best interest of Afghanistan. Problems arise for us with the neighboring country, such incidents have a global impact on the Islamic Emirate.
However, according to the jirga member, Sirajuddin Haqqani further said, “We do not want to force the TTP. They joined us in jihad against the Americans and made sacrifices. It would be better if Pakistan and the TTP unite.” Compromise after giving some concessions to the other.
The jirga member further said that overall I think this issue will take some time, I do not see it reaching any conclusion any time soon, it will require communication, perseverance and sincerity of purpose.
In a weekly press briefing at the Foreign Office, Spokesman Asim Iftikhar Ahmed said that Pakistan would continue its efforts for a peaceful and stable border, including liaison with the transitional Afghan authorities and others.
Talking about peace talks with the banned TTP, he said that the aim of all these efforts is peace and we hope that it will lead to a result that will end the violence of these groups.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb welcomed the extension of the ceasefire under the ongoing talks by the banned TTP starting in October 2021.
