LOWER DIR: A jirga on Sunday resolved a 28-year-old dispute between the local chapter of Jamaat-i-Islami and the now-defunct Tehreek-i-Nafaz-i-Shariat-i-Mohammadi (TNSM) over a piece of land in the Maidan area of Lower Dir, agreeing to construct a mosuqe on the site.

The resolution was achieved after six months of negotiations facilitated by the jirga. Both parties during the jirga held in Lal Qila here agreed to construct a central mosque on the disputed site, which will remain free from political affiliations and influence.

An elder, Haji Mohammad Wahid has been appointed as the supervisor for the mosque’s construction.

The dispute originated in 1996 when JI claimed the ownership of the land, asserting that it had entrusted the property to the late Maulana Sufi Mohammad, founder of TNSM. Conversely, TNSM chief maintained that the land belonged to him and that he was authorised to use it as the organisation’s central office. The disagreement led to prolonged tensions between the two groups.

Sources privy to the development told Dawn that representatives from both the sides gathered in Kumbar, Maidan, where they formally signed the agreement. The meeting was attended by former MPA Haji Saeed Gul and Hafizullah Khaksar, representing the Jamaat, and Ziaullah, son of late Sufi Mohammad, along with Mufti Abdullah representing TNSM. Following the agreement, participants offered collective prayers at the site, symbolising unity and reconciliation.

Residents have lauded the efforts of the jirga and community elders in facilitating a solution that promotes harmony and religious unity in the region.

Construction of the central mosque is set to commence in the coming days, marking a new chapter of cooperation and mutual respect between the previously opposing factions.

ANP STAND ON INDIAN THREAT: Awami National Party’s provincial president Mian Iftikhar Hussain has cautioned India against making hasty accusations and escalating tensions with Pakistan, emphasising that both nations are nuclear-armed and any conflict would have catastrophic consequences.

Speaking to the media in Malakabad, Lal Qila tehsil, Hussain stated, “India should act responsibly and avoid blaming Pakistan for incidents in Kashmir without proper investigation. Any aggression could lead to irreversible damage for both countries.”

He further criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s proposed Mines and Minerals Bill, labelling it a “black law” aimed at usurping the province’s resources. Hussain alleged that the bill undermined provincial autonomy as enshrined in the 18th Constitutional Amendment, and accused the federal government of attempting to seize control over KP’s mineral wealth.

“The bill is a direct attack on the rights of the people of KP,” he asserted, vowing that the ANP would launch a province-wide movement to oppose the legislation.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2025