PESHAWAR: A joint Pakistan-Afghanistan peace jirga is scheduled to be held in Peshawar on March 31, aimed at developing a مشترکہ framework to promote peace, stability, and dialogue between the two neighbouring countries.
The announcement was made by former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary Arbab Shezad Khan, who currently heads Aspire-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during a joint press conference alongside Haji Sohrab Ali Khan.
The initiative comes at a time of heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly in the wake of Pakistan’s ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq targeting militant networks and their support infrastructure across the border.
Focus on Dialogue and Trust-Building
According to organisers, the peace jirga will bring together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including political leaders, tribal elders, religious scholars, civil society representatives, members of the business community, and media professionals.
Arbab Shezad Khan stated that individuals who have previously contributed to peace efforts between Pakistan and Afghanistan have also been invited to participate.
“The peace jirga will focus on mutual respect, trust-building and serious negotiations for lasting peace,” he said, adding that a joint declaration will be issued at the conclusion of the meeting and forwarded to the governments of both countries.
The jirga aims to establish a common pathway for sustained peace and encourage dialogue as the primary mechanism for resolving disputes.
Call for Ceasefire and De-escalation
Participants are expected to urge the leadership of both countries to implement an immediate ceasefire, reduce tensions, and address all outstanding issues through diplomatic channels.
Khan described the initiative as the “need of the hour,” noting that current relations between the two nations remain highly strained.
He also revealed plans to hold additional peace jirgas in Quetta and other regions, involving broader stakeholder participation to strengthen peace efforts.
Background: Renewed Tensions
Recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified following a series of security incidents, including suicide bombings in Islamabad, Bajaur, and Bannu, which Pakistani authorities say were linked to militant groups operating from Afghan territory.
The situation escalated further after cross-border firing incidents, months after both countries had agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025.
That ceasefire agreement, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, included commitments to prevent the use of Afghan soil for attacks inside Pakistan.
However, subsequent talks, including follow-up discussions in Turkey, failed to produce lasting results, with both sides continuing to raise concerns over security and trust deficits.
The upcoming jirga is being viewed as a significant grassroots diplomatic effort to bridge divides and revive dialogue between the two neighbouring countries at a critical juncture.
