Latest news with #Jirga
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Business Recorder
State will ensure justice: CM terms Degari killing case ‘test case'
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Monday clarified that there was no marital relationship between the man and woman who were brutally killed in an alleged honour killing in Sanjeedi Degari, a suburb of Quetta. Terming it a 'test case' for his administration, he vowed that all those responsible for the crime would be brought to justice. Speaking at an emergency press conference in Quetta, the chief minister said that 11 suspects had so far been arrested, and law enforcement agencies were conducting raids to apprehend more. 'Whoever is involved in this case will be arrested, produced before a court, and punished in accordance with the law,' he asserted. CM Bugti rejected the widespread impression on social media that the deceased were a recently married couple. 'There was no marital relationship between the two,' he said, adding that both the woman and the man were already parents—she had five children and the man had five or six. The clarification comes in the wake of a disturbing video that went viral last week, purportedly showing the execution of the couple in the name of honour. The incident, believed to have taken place days before Eid-ul-Azha, sparked national outrage and prompted the Balochistan High Court to take suo motu notice. The chief minister said the provincial administration had taken notice of the incident even before the video gained attention on social media. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice, stating that the state would not abandon the oppressed. 'This case involves victims, and the state is firmly standing with them,' he said. He also confirmed that the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) concerned had been suspended for negligence, and further disciplinary actions would be taken against those who failed in their duties. Calling the Degari killings a 'test case,' Bugti stressed that no individual or group could be allowed to operate above the law. He said the incident had raised questions about the misuse of Jirga systems and tribal authority in criminal matters. 'No attempt is being made to disarm tribal society, but no society can condone such killings,' he said. 'The factors behind this crime must be uncovered. Jirgas that promote such actions are being actively stopped by the state. The government will be run under the Constitution.' In response to questions about the broader law and order situation in the province, the chief minister said that security forces had killed 10 militants in an operation conducted the previous day. 'These terrorists seek soft targets and attempt to flee after carrying out attacks. But our forces are effectively countering them,' he said. Bugti criticised elements that he claimed were exaggerating the security threat in Balochistan, stating that the situation was gradually improving. 'The people should not be afraid. We are defeating terrorism and will restore peace across the province.'
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thousands rally in Dir Lower for peace
Thousands of local residents participated in Aman Pasawon in Dir Lower district on Sunday and protested against the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. They demanded decisive action against terrorists in the region to ensure lasting peace. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Population Welfare, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, addressed the gathering in Maidan, stressing that peace is the fundamental need of society and that all citizens must play an active role in maintaining it. Expressing gratitude to the people of Maidan, local elders, youth, and the Maidan Action Committee, he said, "Today's gathering is living proof that the people of Maidan categorically reject unrest, extremism, and chaos. We want peace for the bright future of our children, the comfort of our homes, and the development of our region and we are united in this goal." Applauding the spirit of the local population, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan highlighted their patience, resilience, and awareness during challenging times. "This unity, this awareness, and this collective voice bind us together today with renewed resolve," he added. He also acknowledged the participation and solidarity shown by tribal elders, youth, civil society, and leaders of the Maidan Action Committee at the peace gathering. Reaffirming the government's commitment, the Special Assistant assured the public of full support from the provincial government at every level for the promotion of peace, development, and public welfare. It may be recalled that on Friday, thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community. The Utmanzai Jirga announced that the next Aman Pasoon will be held in the Datta Khel tehsil of North Waziristan, where residents have been under curfew for the past eleven days. The Jirga urged the government to ease the restrictions and resolve all issues through dialogue and mutual consultation.
Express Tribune
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Utmanzai Jirga rejects more military Ops
Restoring peace and ensuring law and order in North Waziristan is the state's responsibility, and like citizens of other regions, the people of Utmanzai tribe deserve a peaceful life. These views were expressed during the "Aman Pasoon" (Peace Gathering) organized by the Utmanzai Jirga in Miranshah, the district headquarters of North Waziristan. Thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community.
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PARTLY FACETIOUS: The system is in place so shut up or put up
'Why are you in mourning?' 'The death…' 'Inna Lillahi wainnailaihiraji'un' (we belong to Allah and to him we will return).' 'Hmmmm.' 'What?' 'I was wondering about the relevance of what you said. The reason is, the death I am mourning is not of an individual but of an ideology.' 'What ideology?' 'Democracy.' 'Dear Lord, you are one of those who seek to divide and rule.' 'Excuse me?' 'As our friend Raisani said about his degree – a degree is a degree, fake or not. So my response to you is form 45 or form 47 are forms and there is no need to synchronize…' 'You are being facetious?' 'No. It has been over a year and a half, the system is in place so shut up or put up.' 'The Man Who Must Remain Nameless and Faceless is trying to put up, but his arms have been amputated and…' 'Shut up. Besides, I wasn't referring to our democracy because it's never matured. I reckon in terms of human age democracy is a newborn not even a toddler.' 'Are you referring to democracy in…in….' 'The Europeans are being led not by the largest parties that were voted to power but a coalition….' 'Right wing parties have rightly been sidelined and cases against their leaders are barring them from the next elections…' 'But if that's what their people want, the majority want an end of support for Israel! They don't want to fight Russia and want cheap Russian oil. They want Chinese cheap EVs! They want…' 'People don't know what's good for them. Others much more qualified know…' 'Isn't that a sort of Jirga system?' 'Hallelujah! Welcome to the West: democracy is replaced by Jirga.' 'Took them quite a few centuries…' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Reviving Jirgas: undoing constitutional gains
The writer is a former Secretary to Government, Home and Tribal Affairs Department and a retired IGP. He can be reached at syed_shah94@ Listen to article Recent discussions at the federal level about reviving the Jirga system in the merged tribal districts are deeply concerning and deserve serious national scrutiny. These proposals, if pursued, will mark a dangerous reversal of one of Pakistan's most significant constitutional reforms — the merger of the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa under the 25th Constitutional Amendment carried out in 2018. Let us be clear — this is not a benign attempt to honour local traditions. It is a calculated effort to restore an extra-constitutional governance system that historically denied due process, judicial recourse and civil rights to millions. The Jirga system, once embedded in the draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), operated without legal representation, judicial oversight or accountability. Its revival would amount to institutional regression — unconstitutional, undemocratic and unjust. The 25th Amendment was not a cosmetic change. It abolished FATA's special status, repealed the FCR, extended the jurisdiction of the superior judiciary and brought its people under the same constitutional protections as other Pakistani citizens. It was a democratic milestone that ended over a century of legal and political isolation. Undoing this would mean reneging on a solemn constitutional promise. Under Pakistan's federal structure, the Constitution clearly delineates the domains of the federal and provincial governments. Justice administration and local governance are provincial subjects. Any attempt by the federal government to reintroduce Jirgas in the merged districts — whether directly or indirectly — would violate these constitutional boundaries and erode the authority of provincial institutions. Worse still, such a move contradicts the spirit and letter of the National Action Plan (NAP), which aimed at integrating FATA into the national mainstream through constitutional, legal and administrative reforms. Reviving Jirgas undermines this integration and promotes the dangerous notion that certain regions are unfit for constitutional governance. Proponents of Jirga revival often frame it as a culturally rooted mechanism for community-based dispute resolution. However, historical realities contradict this romanticised view. The Jirga system was an instrument of colonial control, working alongside political agents under laws that enforced collective punishment and denied civil liberties. Far from resisting militancy, these structures often coexisted with non-state actors and failed to provide justice or security. One must ask: before the merger, did Jirgas ensure justice? Did they resist militants? The answer is a resounding no. The pre-merger system fostered a dual governance structure — state-imposed on one side and militant-enforced on the other. The merger was intended to end this dangerous ambiguity and place the region firmly under constitutional rule. Rolling back this reform would restore that confusion and embolden non-democratic forces. It is important to acknowledge that progress since the merger has been uneven. Governance remains weak, development inadequate, and public services insufficient. But the remedy lies in accelerating reforms — not abandoning them. Instead of reviving outdated systems, efforts should focus on strengthening local governments, expanding the formal justice system, ensuring equitable development and building trust in constitutional institutions. The socio-economic realities of the merged districts are stark. With a population of over 5.743162 million across 27,000 square kilometres, the region remains among the most underdeveloped in the country. The literacy rate stands at a dismal 33%, with female literacy as low as 12.7%, compared to the national average of 47% for women. Healthcare infrastructure is alarmingly poor, with one hospital bed for 2,574 people and just one doctor available for 6,630 residents. Only 43% of the population has access to safe drinking water. These figures point to decades of neglect. In 2015-16, a mere Rs19.7 billion were allocated to development activities for the entire region. Such chronic underinvestment contributed to the backwardness and governance vacuum that the merger sought to address. The solution lies not in reviving Jirgas but in redoubling efforts for institutional reform and economic uplift. Reinstating the Jirga system would not only roll back hard-won constitutional rights but also reinforce a narrative of exclusion and inequality. It sends a chilling message: that some citizens are less deserving of constitutional protections than others. This is not only unlawful — it is unacceptable in a democratic polity. The path forward is clear. Uphold the Constitution. Empower elected local institutions. Strengthen formal justice mechanisms. Honour the promises made to the people of the merged districts. The constitutional integration of these areas is not just a legal matter — it is the foundation of any lasting peace, justice, and development. Pakistan made a historic and bold choice by extending the full scope of constitutional rights, responsibilities, and protections to all its citizens. To retreat from this commitment would be to step back into a legal and institutional darkness that the country can ill afford.
