MINGORA: The Swat Qaumi Jirga on Monday warned of launching a mass protest movement against the government if it failed to review its counterterrorism policy, take effective preventive measures, and ensure the protection of citizens’ lives and property.
Addressing a press conference at the Swat Press Club, members of the jirga’s working committee, including Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai, Ahmad Shah, Fazal Ahad Khan, Nawab Khan, Salahuddin, Abdul Jabbar, Abdul Qayyum, Zahid Khan, Sher Shah Khan, Khalid Umar, Khurshid Kakaji, Akhtar Ali, Haider Ali Khan, Mumtaz Ali, Sher Bahadurzada Khan, Irfan Chattan, and Shah-e-Rom Khan, said the jirga had consistently played a vital role in promoting peace and resisting terrorism in the region.
They said the jirga had always contributed significantly to the restoration of peace and stability in Swat.The speakers expressed grave concern over recent attacks targeting political figures, including Mumtaz Ali Khan and Ayub Khan Ashari, as well as threats to several other leaders.
The elders said that despite these incidents, the government and security agencies had so far failed to identify the perpetrators or expose what they termed an “invisible enemy” to the public.
Criticising the authorities, the jirga members said that mere statements were not enough and that concrete action was urgently needed.They said that under the Constitution, the protection of citizens’ lives and property was the fundamental responsibility of the state. However, they observed a lack of seriousness in fulfilling this obligation.
The jirga questioned the effectiveness of the existing security structure, pointing out that if the civil administration and police indeed wield authority and are equipped with modern weapons and technology, then the continued failure to curb terrorism raises serious concerns.
They stressed that the ongoing wave of violence had become intolerable and urged the state to immediately review its policies, eliminate terrorism, and bring those involved in attacks on political leaders to justice.
The Swat Qaumi Jirga warned that failure to meet these demands would compel it to initiate a massive public mobilisation campaign.The jirga elders pledged to organise communities at the grassroots level and take all possible measures to restore peace and tranquillity in the region.
