SWABI, Feb 12: Speakers at the Pakhtun Jirga Forum (PJF) held here on Sunday emphasised that the restoration of a true jirga system was the only panacea for the problems of Pakhtuns, living in Afghanistan, tribal regions, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The participants said leaders of the political parties had failed to work for strengthening the jirga forum, adding there was also an international conspiracy to destroy both the jirga and hujra culture of Pakhtuns.

Jamaluddin, founder of the PJF, and convener Asif Ali Khan said that they had already organised such gatherings in Nowshera and tribal regions, adding such jirgas were also scheduled to be held in Bannu, Malakand, Kohat and Quetta. They said a grand jirga would also be held in Peshawar which would adopt resolutions seeking solutions to problems being faced by Pakhtuns.

Faiz Mohammad, president of Shewa Jirga, said that there was a dire need to strengthen the jirga system comprising honest people for making it more productive and problem resolving forum. "Honesty is the prerequisite for the jirga members because without truthfulness they could not make neutral decisions," he said. "Jirga remains jirga only with the straightforward people."

Another participant, Hassan Khan, said that Pakhtuns had been facing internal challenges and they must create unity in their ranks for foiling the anti-Pakhtun conspiracies.

"We don't need aid from the developed world or from the World Bank and IMF once we put our heads together. If we failed we would confront more serious challenges in the future," he warned.

Another speaker said Pakhtuns strived for peace and rendered numerous sacrifices to achieve that end, adding Pakhtuns gallantly fought different wars and emerged victorious.

Mr Kifayat advocate said the political leadership had failed to protect Pakhtuns, who were deceived during the election and then were left high and day for five years.