- Pashtun movement assures of refraining from using anti-army remarks
PESHAWAR: An important round of talks between Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and the government-constituted jirga concluded on Tuesday in which PTM announced that they would not hold a protest on the third day of Eid for the release of arrested workers of the movement.
The negotiations were held at the residence of former tribal MNA Shahjee Gul at Hayatabad, Peshawar. Mohsin Dawar, Ali Wazir and Abdullah Nangyal represented the PTM whereas, besides Shahjee Gul, Malik Khan Marjan Wazir, Shah Farman, Malik Waris Khan and Ajmal Wazir were prominent amongst the members of government jirga.
During a press conference, Khan Marjan Wazir told media that they assured release of all PTM workers and members arrested in Islamabad, Wana, South Waziristan and Mirali, North Waziristan.
Talking to media after the conclusion of talks, Dawar said that the movement had earlier decided to hold a demonstration to demand the release of PTM activists arrested in Islamabad, Wana, Mir Ali, etc, but has now called it off after being promised that their workers will be released.
Khan Marjan Wazir also assured that all other remaining issues facing the PTM would be resolved accordingly. The two sides have also agreed on holding a big jirga on June 22. He further said that PTM had also provided firm assurances that they will cease and desist from using anti-army slogans in their protests and gatherings.
It was the eighth round of talks ever since the government constituted a high-powered jirga to hold talks with PTM. Almost all the meetings and negotiations are being hosted by Shahjee Gul from Khyber Agency.
The PTM recently presented a list of 30 persons for negotiating with the government as the movement leaders have been claiming that issues are being raised for Pashtuns throughout the country. Therefore, their jirga should be represented by Pashtuns from all over the country, they said.
On the other hand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor and high-ranking military officials allege that irrelevant people have been nominated by PTM for talks with the government. On such grounds, from last several days, the authorities allege that PTM is not willing to resolve the issues through table talks.
The PTM leaders have been facing pressure due to the recent arrest of workers and registration of FIRs against them. Similarly, government’s action of banning entry of Mohsin Dawar in his native North Waziristan, PTM clashes with government loyal Taliban in Wana, followed by imposition of Section 144 on political activities, is also causing hardships for the PTM.
Both Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir are amongst the leaders who are going to contest July 25 general elections for National Assembly seats.
