Jirga urges Pakistan and Afghanistan to end border clashes, implement ceasefire, and resolve disputes through dialogue, highlighting shared heritage, diplomacy, and civilian protection as priorities, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
A jirga convened in Peshawar on Tuesday has urged the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan to immediately halt border clashes and resolve disputes through dialogue, warning that continued conflict could have dire consequences for civilians on both sides.
The ‘Pakistan-Afghanistan Peace Jirga’, organised by think-tank Aspire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the National Reform Movement (Qaumi Islahi Tehreek), brought together political and religious leaders, business representatives, and media figures.
Joint Declaration for Ceasefire
After deliberations, the jirga participants issued a joint declaration calling for an immediate ceasefire and stressing the importance of diplomatic channels over military confrontation. The declaration highlighted the shared religious, cultural, and social heritage of the two nations.
The jirga urged, “Agree, in accordance with universally accepted international principles, that their respective territories will neither be used against each other nor be allowed to be used for any such activities. Ensure implementation of this consensus with full state authority and capacity.”
Participants stressed that war offered no solution and that mutual respect and understanding were the only guarantees for sustainable peace. They encouraged continuous engagement between Islamabad and Kabul to facilitate better understanding of each nation’s positions, constraints, and opportunities for confidence-building.
Rising Tensions on the Border
Tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border have escalated in recent weeks, marked by airstrikes, artillery fire, and reciprocal accusations. On March 29, Pakistani forces reportedly launched rocket and heavy weapon attacks on residential areas in Kunar province, Afghanistan. The shelling hit areas near Asadabad, killing one person and injuring 16 others, sparking fears of a wider conflict.
Taliban spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat condemned the attack, saying it targeted civilian homes around 5 pm local time and accusing Pakistan of indiscriminate firing. Injured residents were rushed to hospitals for treatment, according to Afghanistan’s Khaama Press news agency.
The incident came shortly after a brief Eid ceasefire collapsed, and fighting resumed along the border. Islamabad maintains that its operations target militants using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan, a claim rejected by the Taliban.
Calls for Dialogue and Diplomacy
The jirga emphasised that the ongoing conflict poses a serious threat to civilians and regional stability. Speakers reiterated that diplomatic engagement, not military action, is the sustainable path toward peace.
They urged both governments to maintain continuous contacts, implement confidence-building measures, and respect agreed principles to prevent future escalations. By prioritising dialogue, the jirga said, Pakistan and Afghanistan could strengthen ties while protecting their populations from the devastating effects of cross-border violence.
