In light of the current situation in Bannu, a Grand Jirga was held in Bannu Cantonment, attended by elders and religious scholars from the districts of Bannu and Lakki Marwat. The demands of the Jirga were presented to Major General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, GOC Nine Division, Brigadier Naveed Ahmed, Commander 116 Brigade, Bannu Division Commissioner Abid Khan, RPO Imran Shahid, and Deputy Commissioner Abdul Hameed Khan. Notable figures in the Jirga included District Khatib Mufti Abdul Ghani Advocate, Maulana Abdul Ghaffar Qureshi, Malik Shireen Malik, and Maulana Syed Fida Ahmed Shah.
The Jirga emphasized their desire for peace in the country, calling for meetings with the families of missing persons. They urged that those proven to be criminals should be brought to court, while doors for negotiations should remain open for adversaries of the state and nation.
A notable demand was the request for access to pine nut orchards and timber forests in Shawal, which had been destroyed by the Mehsud tribes. The elders stated, "The uniform of the Pakistan Army is the trust of the nation, and we cannot tolerate accusations against it. We feel that anti-national elements are succeeding in their nefarious objectives."
Also Read: Landi Kotal's Sports Talent Hindered by Government Neglect, Say Local Athletes
Furthermore, the Jirga highlighted the ongoing issues in Bannu, Lakki, and North Waziristan, urging a change in policies. They called for winning the hearts of the Pashtun community through love and reconciliation, stating that no citizen supports terrorism, and efforts should be made to reform those who have gone astray.
Regarding missing persons, the Jirga demanded that the 74 individuals currently unaccounted for should be scrutinized, with anti-state elements punished, but innocent citizens released. They also urged the government to avoid tarnishing the reputation of religious seminaries, a narrative they believe is being driven by foreign powers. The Jirga expressed concern about the growing tension between institutions, emphasizing the need to resolve these issues collectively.
Addressing the Jirga, Major General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti acknowledged that Pakistan's status as an Islamic and nuclear nation had long been opposed by external forces. He referenced the events of 1971 as an example of enemies exploiting opportunities against the country. He assured the gathering, "As long as the army stands, nothing will happen to Pakistan. I swear that our only goal is to bring peace."
General Bhatti further stated that the army had gladly accepted the 16 demands presented by the Jirga, as they too shared the goal of peace. He promised collaboration on the issue of missing persons, with a thorough review of the list and records to proceed accordingly. He expressed concern that in some cases, individuals released on the elders' guarantee had rejoined terrorist organizations. He called on religious scholars and elders to approach these individuals for a Jirga, urging them to surrender and lay down arms. If they refuse, the public must support the military in dealing with those determined to continue fighting.
.webp)
18 Apr, 2025