KHAR: Elders and political activists of Salarzai tribe of Bajaur tribal district on Friday renewed their pledge to work for peace in the region.

They made the announcement during a jirga held in Pashat, the headquarters of Salarzai region.

Elders, political leaders and local people attended the jirga. Former MNA Shahabuddin Khan, PML-N local chapter general secretary Gul Kareem Khan, JUI-F district chief Maulana Abdur Rasheed, ANP president Gul Afzal Khan, Malik Abdus Slam, Malik Hifzur Rahman and others addressed the gathering.

The speakers said that peace was essential for the socio-economic development of the region.

They said that people of Salarzai tribe had successfully fought against anti-peace elements in the region.

They said that Salarzai people were aware of the importance of peace and stability.

They said that the residents should be allowed to keep weapons for their safety.

They added that people of Salazai region had defeated the miscreants in the region with the help of their weapons.

The speakers urged the authorities to postpone the decision to collect weapons from the local residents.

The jirga also decided to hold a meeting with officials of the district administration and police department in this regard.

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2020