By Ghulam Haider Shaikh
In a region long tested by instability and violence, the recent initiative by Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi to engage all major political leaders in a joint dialogue on peace marks a crucial and encouraging step. His decision to consult the heads of major parties, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Aimal Wali Khan, Siraj-ul-Haq, Amir Muqam, Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, and Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha,reflects both political maturity and a deep understanding of the complexity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s challenges.
The province, situated at the crossroads of Pakistan’s security and social fabric, has endured immense strain from terrorism and militancy over the past two decades. It has often been the first line of defense and the most affected by the consequences of regional instability. In such circumstances, peace cannot be achieved through isolated government actions alone; it demands a collective and inclusive approach. The Chief Minister’s outreach across party lines is, therefore, not only a political move but a moral and strategic imperative.
The decision to form an in-house committee of the provincial assembly and to convene a multi-party jirga to devise a unified strategy for durable peace is a noteworthy development. The traditional jirga model, rooted in Pashtun culture, emphasizes consensus, dialogue, and mutual respect, values that remain essential to peacebuilding even in modern governance. This inclusive framework ensures that the cause of peace does not become a partisan issue but a shared responsibility of all political stakeholders.
However, the success of this initiative will depend on sincerity, sustained dialogue, and tangible follow-up measures. It is vital that political leaders set aside personal and ideological differences to focus on the common goal of restoring stability and security. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, from the valleys of Swat to the plains of Dera Ismail Khan, have paid too high a price in blood and fear to allow political divisions to hinder peace efforts.
If handled with wisdom and perseverance, this joint effort could become a model for national reconciliation. The unity of purpose shown by provincial leadership today may well define the path for the entire country tomorrow. For the first time in years, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s politics is showing signs of convergence, and in that convergence lies the promise of lasting peace.
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