PESHAWAR: A Pak-Afghan peace jirga will be held in Peshawar on Tuesday (tomorrow) under the auspices of Aspire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Qaumi Islahi Tehreek, in the context of the recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
This was announced by former chief secretary and head of Aspire KP, Arbab Shehzad Khan while speaking to media here along with Qaumi Islahi Tehreek chief Haji Sohrab Ali Khan.
Khan said the jirga would be attended by national and political leaders, tribal elders, religious scholars, members of civil society, traders and media representatives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as Afghans residing in Pakistan
Arbab Shehzad said the jirga would call upon the leadership of both countries to immediately de-escalate tensions, stressing that war was not a solution to any problem and that ultimately issues are resolved through dialogue.
He added that the forum would focus on promoting sustainable peace through mutual respect, confidence-building measures and serious negotiations.
Khan said the objective of the jirga was to formulate a joint course of action aimed at fostering peace, stability and dialogue between the two neighbouring countries.
A joint declaration in favour of peace would also be issued at the conclusion of the jirga and sent to the governments of both countries.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, he said tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan had reached a critical level, making such efforts necessary.
He noted that the two nations shared deep cultural, religious and linguistic ties, which should serve as a basis for reconciliation.
Regretting the lack of a strong voice from prominent figures and political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for peace, he said Pakistan had hosted Afghan refugees for over four decades, where generations had grown up, and many would now face challenges upon returning to Afghanistan.
Khan further said that similar peace jirgas would also be organised in Quetta and other regions after the Peshawar event, inviting all stakeholders to contribute towards reducing anxiety among Pashtuns and promoting peace.
Responding to a question, he expressed hope that the international community would play its role in encouraging Afghan authorities to come to the negotiating table with Pakistan, noting that ordinary people on both sides were bearing the brunt of the ongoing tensions.
He emphasised that the situation demanded immediate efforts to ensure lasting peace for the people of both countries and said invitations had also been extended to political leaders who had previously played a role in promoting Pak-Afghan peace.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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