IN a heartening display of unity, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s leadership gathered in Peshawar for a multi-party peace Jirga to forge a common approach against terrorism. The sight of leaders from rival political parties setting aside their differences to speak with one voice on the province’s most pressing challenge is both timely and necessary. At a moment when the specter of terrorism once again looms large, evident in recent attacks in Wana and Islamabad, such consensus sends an unmistakable message: the people of Pakistan stand united against those who seek to destabilize their homeland.
The Jirga’s joint declaration, calling for a politics-free and inclusive counterterrorism strategy, reflects a maturity that has too often been missing from political discourse. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has long been the frontline in the fight against extremism, bearing the heaviest brunt of violence, displacement and economic disruption. The remarks of PMLN’s Ibadullah Khan acknowledging that the Jirga brought together political rivals capture the spirit of unity that Pakistan desperately needs. Equally important was ANP’s Mian Iftikhar Hussain’s categorical rejection of the outdated distinction between “good” and “bad” Taliban, an ambiguity that has in the past undermined the fight against militancy. A genuine and comprehensive implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP), as demanded by the Jirga, remains the cornerstone of any credible strategy to eradicate terrorism. However, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Government cannot shoulder this burden alone. Terrorism is a challenge that transcends provincial boundaries. The KP Government must work closely with the Federal Government and security institutions to ensure an integrated and sustained response. Coordination across intelligence, policing and development fronts is essential to deny militants the space to regroup. At the same time, counterterrorism cannot rely solely on kinetic force. Non-kinetic measures addressing ideological narratives, improving governance, strengthening local economies and rebuilding public trust are equally vital to dismantle the roots of extremism. The Peace Jirga’s message of unity should not remain symbolic. It must translate into a practical, all-of-society approach that bridges political divides, engages civil society and strengthens the social contract between state and citizens. The people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, who have endured immense suffering in this long war, deserve nothing less than a comprehensive, sustained and inclusive peace effort.
