KABUL, Afghanistan — Former President Hamid Karzai praised the Pashtun Tribal Jirga held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for advocating the reopening of girls’ schools in Afghanistan, describing the assembly as a positive step toward resolving regional issues.
In a post on X, Karzai expressed his “strong support” for the Jirga’s resolution. He noted the gathering’s significance, stating, “The large gathering of women at the Khyber Jirga and the collective emphasis on the value of education proves that the people of the region want a peaceful and civilized life.”
Haneef Atmar, Afghanistan’s former National Security Advisor, also commended the Jirga on X, stating that “the rebirth of the historic Jirga of the nation has begun.” He praised the participants as “wise and faithful” representatives of the Pashtun people, asserting that they embody “the genuine desires of the people on both sides of the Durand Line.”
Atmar called on the Pakistani government and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to “act responsibly” in response to the gathering’s resolutions. He cautioned that the ongoing oppression and deprivation faced by Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line has become “unbearable” and warned that tensions are reaching a breaking point.
The Jirga, organized by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), took place under tight restrictions on the group. Various Pashtun parties, movements, and women’s groups participated, with reports indicating attendance reached 1.9 million by the second day.
The Jirga’s resolutions called on the Taliban, all armed groups, and the Pakistani military to vacate Pashtun areas within two months. It also demanded the removal of passport and visa requirements at crossing points between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stating that “Pashtuns on both sides of the Durand Line should be able to travel freely between Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
On Sunday, PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen urged the Jirga attendees to press the Taliban for the reopening of girls’ schools. He also proposed the establishment of a broader Jirga to address Afghanistan’s ongoing crisis and seek sustainable solutions.
