Three-Day Pashtun Jirga in Quetta Will Be a Milestone for Protection of Rights: PKMAP

QUETTA: The Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP) has said that a three-day jirga to be held in Quetta will be of great importance and would serve as a milestone in protecting the economic and social rights of the Pashtun people.

In a statement issued by the party’s central executive, PKMAP said the jirga was the only viable way to address the challenges facing Pashtunkhwa and its people. Representatives from different segments of society would present their proposals through collective wisdom, after which a future course of action would be determined through a consensus declaration.

The party said the three-day jirga would be held in Quetta from August 30 to September 1, 2026, on the invitation of PKMAP Chairman and Milli Mushir Mahmood Khan Achakzai and under the chairmanship of the party’s Central Secretary Nawab Muhammad Ayaz Khan Jogezai. All individuals who have received invitations have been urged to attend.

According to the statement, the jirga is an important and longstanding tradition in Pashtun social and tribal life. It provides a platform for resolving disputes and differences between individuals and tribes through consultation and for reaching decisions based on Islamic principles as well as Pashtun traditions, customs, justice and wisdom.

The party said such a process could help pave the way for peace, justice, development and prosperity and contribute to a better future for the Pashtun people.

PKMAP said that, in accordance with decisions taken at the Bannu Jirga held from March 11 to 14, 2022, the party had organized jirgas in all divisions and various districts of southern Pashtunkhwa. It is now preparing to hold a three-day jirga of the people of southern Pashtunkhwa in Quetta.

The party said PKMAP would host the jirga, which would be attended by representatives of all Pashtun tribes, residents of Pashtunkhwa and representatives of the Pashtun nation. Participants would share their views and recommendations to help formulate a future course of action.

The statement highlighted the lack of economic opportunities and growing restrictions on traditional sources of livelihood as major challenges facing people in Pashtun areas.

It said thousands of families dependent on trade, border-related businesses, transportation, agriculture and small enterprises were facing increasing economic difficulties due to restrictions on these activities.

At the same time, the party said the continuing wave of insecurity and violence had left the lives and property of citizens increasingly vulnerable.

In view of these challenges, PKMAP said, the importance of the upcoming jirga had increased further.