Grand tribal jirga, a message of peace for world community: Fazalur Rehman

PESHAWAR: Chief of JUI(F), Maulana Fazalur Rehman has said that formation of authoritative grand tribal Jirga passed a message to world community that serious peace initiatives has got underway for bringing durable peace in FATA and KP by holding talks with the militant leadership.

Briefing media persons along with Governor KP, Engr. Shaukatullah after chairing the meeting of the 87 members grand tribal Jirga here at Governor house late Friday night, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said the national leadership has given unanimous mandate to the tribal Jirga for holding talks with TTP leadership who according to him has welcomed the declaration of All Parties Conference (APC) held on Thursday at Islamabad, sponsored by JUI(F).

He thanked the TTP leadership for giving positive response to the peace efforts and said that the Taliban leaders demonstrated sagacity by welcoming formation of grand tribal Jirga.

In response to a question about the go ahead signal to the tribal Jirga by Governor KP, Governor Engr Shaukatullah said the national leadership has already granted mandate to the Jirga for making peace deal with the militants. He said that the Governor House would work as liaison office between the Jirga members and TTP leadership.

On this occasion, the Governor also announced establishment of Shuhada Trust for facilitating the affected families of terrorism victims. The Governor also announced a donation of Rs 10 million for the Shuhada Trust.

In reply to a question, the Governor said he would seek the consent of President Asif Ali Zardari before the Jirga set out for peace efforts in Waziristan. However, on this occasion, Maulana Fazlur Rehman added that the military leadership would support the peace initiative taken up by elected representatives.

When asked about the future strategy of Jirga, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the Jirga members would now sit to deliberate upon chalking out line of action as to how, when and where to hold talks with the militants.