Syed Bukhar Shah
MARDAN: In an encouraging display of unity and tolerance amid growing political differences and declining social harmony, elders, political activists, religious scholars, lawyers and members of civil society have joined hands to establish a Grand Islahi Jirga in village Mayar of Mardan district.
The jirga has been constituted with the stated objectives of promoting social reform, reconciliation, resolving local disputes, discouraging crime and protecting the rights and interests of residents. One of its immediate concerns is the protection of the local graveyard, where residents have complained that people from neighbouring areas have been burying their deceased relatives, putting additional pressure on the limited burial space available to the local population.
The first meeting of the Grand Islahi Jirga was held at a local Darul Uloom, where representatives and activists belonging to different political parties and various communities and nationalities of the area demonstrated what participants described as a rare spirit of tolerance and maturity.
The formation of the jirga is particularly significant at a time when political differences and intolerance are said to have reached an alarming level. Local activists, who often remain divided along political lines, temporarily set aside their differences, agreeing that the welfare and collective interests of the people should take precedence over political affiliations.
Mufti Fazal Ghani, Mohtamim of the religious madrasa, was elected chairman of the jirga, while ANP activist Sheikh khan, who has a significant vote bank in the area, was elected president. Representatives associated with PTI, which has established a strong presence among the area’s younger generation alongside traditional political groups, were also given key positions, including the office of secretary and other responsibilities.
Nizar, popularly known as Nazim sahib in the area, has emerged as one of the principal figures behind the initiative. Speaking about the formation of the jirga, he said he had been approaching and persuading elders, political leaders, religious figures and other notables for the past four months to bring them onto a common platform.
He said the efforts had finally succeeded, resulting in the formation of a broad-based body representing different sections of the local population.
The jirga also includes respected elders from different communities and nationalities, including Fida Kaka, Qayyum Khan, Kishwar ustad and Murad Khan, who have reportedly played a role in resolving disputes in Mayar and adjoining areas even before the formal establishment of the jirga.
Several influential elders belonging to various communities have also been nominated as patrons. Local residents said these elders have historically enjoyed considerable respect and influence and have helped settle disputes without seeking any financial or material compensation.
The organisers said the inclusion of respected elders, political workers, religious scholars, lawyers and young activists was intended to give the jirga a wider social base and ensure that its decisions enjoy the confidence of the local population.
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