KP Peace Jirga Calls for Provincial Consultation on Pak-Afghan Policy; Police and CTD to Lead Internal Security

**ISLAMABAD (Qudrat Daily)** — A multi-party **peace jirga** held in the **Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly** has issued a 15-point declaration urging stronger provincial input on Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and reaffirming a unified stance against terrorism. Delegations from PTI, ANP, PPP, Jamaat-e-Islami and other parties participated in the jirga, which was presided over by the Assembly speaker and attended by senior political figures.

Key points of the jirga declaration include:

* **Condemnation of terrorism** across the province and a pledge to pursue all lawful measures — in consultation with the provincial assembly — to eliminate militancy.
* **Police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD)** will take the lead on internal security; they may constitutionally seek assistance from other institutions when necessary. The provincial government will provide **special financial support** to strengthen police/CTD capabilities during security crises.
* A call for **immediate implementation** of the provincial assembly’s unanimous resolutions on law and order.
* Development of a **comprehensive policy to eliminate extortion and illegal levies**, and establishment of provincial peace forums with a majority of civil-society members.
* Proposals to **strengthen local governments and secure their finances** through constitutional measures, and to link the Provincial Finance Commission more closely with the National Finance Commission.
* The jirga urged the federal government to **reduce tensions with the province**, summon the Joint Council of Common Interests (or equivalent forum) as per constitutional timelines, and involve provincial authorities in shaping **Pakistan-Afghanistan foreign-policy decisions**.
* An immediate recommendation to **reopen the Pakistan-Afghanistan border for trade** to restore cross-border commerce and livelihoods.

The 15-point declaration — signed by the Speaker and 20 other jirga members — emphasizes consensus across political lines in KP on security, governance and provincial rights. Organizers said the jirga adopted its action plan after late-night consultations and pledged to follow up with formal proposals and coordination with federal authorities.