PESHAWAR: The representatives of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) in a meeting with the government-constituted jirga have conveyed their reservations over, what they said were, violation of commitments made to them by the jirga members.
The meeting was held at the residence of former MNA Haji Shahjee Gul Afridi in Hayatabad, Peshawar.
Beside Haji Shahjee Gul Afridi, other members of the jirga including Malik Khan Marjan Wazir, Malik Waris Khan Afridi and Shah Farman also attended the meeting.
Latif Afridi is leading the PTM delegation for talks with the government constituted body headed by Haji Shahjee Gul.
The next meeting is scheduled to be held at Officers Mess Civil Secretariat Peshawar on July 1 when the jirga members will provide responses regarding PTM’s claims of breach of commitments, Latif Afridi later informed media.
“PTM insisted on guarantee for honouring the promises and asked the government body to condemn, at least, the government’s action against the PTM in North and South Waziristan and Islamabad as well.”
According to Latif, 11 members of PTM were killed and another 41 were injured when a pro-government militia clashed with PTM in Wana, South Waziristan on June 3.
The pro-government militia is part of the peace jirga that was established by the government to maintain law and order in the area.
PTM members said that 37 PTM workers were arrested and locked up in Adyala Jail while a large number of others were arrested in South and North Waziristan, Swat and other regions.
In addition, PTM leader Mohsin Dawar was prohibited from entering his native North Waziristan region by the local district administration as well.
Latif Afridi said that on such grounds, PTM leaders and representatives asked the jirga to clarify its position on these acts. Similarly they demanded the government to formally notify constitution, terms and conditions of the jirga, which according to them could make the process easier.
“Reconciliation jirga, represented by nominees from both the sides sincerely wants to resolve the issues and therefore, they decided to hold frequent meetings,” Latif explained.
Till July 1, when the next meeting would take place, no one will be allowed to use negative words or criticism against each other and decisions would be made in accordance with the law of the land, Latif said.
A tense and hostile situation in the region has prevented PTM leader Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar from campaigning for National Assembly seats from South and North Waziristan, respectively.
