PESHAWAR, Pakistan — Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has called for negotiations with the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) to ease escalating tensions after the Pakistani government opposed the holding of a jirga, or grand assembly, in the Khyber region. The jirga, titled Pashtun Qaumi Adalat (Justice for Pashtun People), is scheduled to take place on Friday and is organized by the PTM.
Tensions heightened after the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government imposed a ban on the jirga, citing security concerns. According to local media reports, at least three PTM members were killed, and several others were injured following clashes with Pakistani police.
Earlier this week, the Pakistani government also banned PTM activities, sparking condemnation from human rights groups, including Amnesty International. The PTM advocates for the rights of Pashtuns, alleging systemic abuses such as forced disappearances and targeted killings. The movement also demands the removal of landmines that it claims were planted by the Pakistani military in tribal areas.
In response to the tensions, Barrister Mohammad Saif, spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, reiterated the federal government’s position in a video message on Wednesday. He also announced that Chief Minister Gandapur had instructed provincial lawmakers to engage with all parties to seek a resolution.
A grand jirga was held on Thursday at Gandapur’s residence, attended by senior officials, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Federal Minister Amir Muqam. At the jirga, Gandapur expressed his willingness to negotiate with PTM leaders. “I’m ready to sit on the floor with the other party for negotiations,” Gandapur said, according to reports in the Pakistani media.
The Chief Minister has accepted responsibility for organizing further peace talks in hopes of de-escalating the situation.
