SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A jirga of Ahmadzai Wazir tribe has opposed the condition of visa and passport for cross-border movement, saying national identity cards should be enough for the purpose.

The jirga was held on Tuesday in border town Angoor Adda of Birmal tehsil in Lower South Waziristan district. The jirga was attended by a large number of tribal elders, ulema and youth.

The Ahmadzai elders said that the condition of visa and passport would not be acceptable to them for cross-border movement under any circumstances. The decision was made in response to suspension of commercial activities at Angoor Adda border for the last 15 months.

Maulana Tasbihullah Wazir, a member of the jirga, said that a committee would be formed to stop cross-border movement of people on passports. He said that no person, except dead bodies, would be allowed to cross the border on passports and visas unless federal government exempted Ahmadzai Wazir tribe from the condition of passport and visa.

The participants of the jirga criticised suspension of commercial activities at Angoor Adda border and urged authorities to take immediate steps to restore trade activities. They said that a fine of Rs50,000 would be imposed on a violator of the jirga’s decree.

The Ahmadzai Wazir elders, political leaders and social activists said that they would welcome anyone, who worked for a sustainable and peaceful solution to tribal issues. They stressed the need for taking practical measures to resolve their problems.

The jirga highlighted the difficulties faced by people after implementation of ‘one-document regime’. It said that Ahmadzai Wazir should be allowed to live freely on their land.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2025