THE Afghan peace jirga at Nishtar Hall ended with demands for the restoration of peace in the region. … [I]t was held under the aegis of the ANP but several delegations from other cities, Afghanistan and some other countries participated. …

The jirga aimed at [dicussing ways] to bring an end to the ongoing bloodshed of innocent people and the restoration of a durable peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The provincial government had also arranged such peace jirgas but those have borne no fruitful results so far. The main reason is said to be the non-cooperation of the federal government with the provincial government.

The present jirga was held at a time when United States-led Nato forces have promised to withdraw from Afghanistan, … while negotiations are under way for the restoration of Nato supplies. Drone attacks in Fata are also being carried out repeatedly. The main problems have been created due to undue interference by the US and Nato forces in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The interference should be stopped.— (May 30)

Selected and translated by Ali Hazrat Bacha.