The Jirga, formed to hold talks with Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), has asked the Sindh government to allow the movement to hold rally in Karachi on May 13 in a democratic manner. Briefing media after the Jirga meeting in Hayatabad, Peshawar, Jirga members stressed that the movement should ensure no anti-state statements will be made during the rally. "There is no need to disrupt the Karachi rally," they added. "We will not let the enemies take advantage of any misapprehensions between PTM and the state."
The Jirga, formed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) apex committee, held the third round of discussions attended by tribal elder Malik Khan Marjan, Information Minister
The Jirga called for restraint after Sindh Police registered three cases against PTM leaders preparing for a rally in Karachi on May 13. All three FIRs - registered at Bin Qasim, Shah Latif and Manghopir police stations, respectively - have the state as the complainant and include Sections 6, 7, 8 and 9 of Anti-Terrorism Act relating to terrorism and spread of sectarian hatred.
Shah Farman and MNA Shah G Gul Marjan said the Jirga was scheduled to meet PTM on May 16.
The Jirga members expressed hope that negotiations with the group would yield positive results.
The Jirga has also recommended the government and the apex committee to hold a meeting before the given date. Farman remarked that the PTM had given a date on a short notice. "They should have given time earlier. The last meeting was held on April 25."
"This is an issue for all Pashtuns. We hope the PTM will give due importance to the Jirga as well," he added. The members believe the process of talks may be extended till the holy month of Ramazan.
Meanwhile, PTM members complained that FIRs were registered against several members of the movement including Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir. They alleged that Sindh Police has resorted to harassing the movement's workers ahead of May 13 rally in Karachi.
The PTM - a movement for the rights of those affected by the war against militancy in the tribal areas, especially South Waziristan - has been agitating in different parts of the country against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial arrests and killings, as well as the mistreatment of the Pakhtun community.
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