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PTI Rejects Federal Move to Revive Jirga System in Merged KP Districts
PTI rejects federal plans to revive the jirga system in merged KP districts, calling it a violation of provincial authority. “This is KP's right after the 18th & 25th Amendments,” says Gohar Ali Khan.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-07
PTI Rejects Federal Move to Revive Jirga System in Merged KP Districts

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders on Monday strongly opposed the proposed revival of the jirga system in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, asserting that such decisions fall exclusively under provincial jurisdiction after the 18th and 25th Constitutional Amendments.

The traditional jirga is a tribal dispute resolution system rooted in Pashtun customs, historically used to resolve conflicts through local elders. The federal government had recently hinted at reviving the system in tribal districts as part of a push for an “alternative justice system”.

At a press conference in Islamabad, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan criticized the move, stating:

“Reviving the jirga system was never discussed in committee meetings, and after the 25th Amendment, the federal government has no right to legislate or decide for the merged districts.”

He was joined by senior PTI leaders including former KP Governor Shah Farman, MNA Iqbal Afridi, KP Finance Minister Aftab Alam Afridi, and PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram.

➤ "Federal Interference Unconstitutional": PTI

Finance Minister Aftab Alam Afridi condemned the federal SAFRON Ministry’s involvement, saying:

“Today, SAFRON called a meeting to interfere in the province’s matters, even though legislation for the merged areas is solely the province’s right.”

Afridi also criticized the non-provision of the National Finance Commission (NFC) share promised after the FATA-KP merger.

➤ Link to Mining Bill Controversy

MNA Iqbal Afridi linked the jirga revival proposal to federal ambitions over KP’s minerals, alleging:

“The federal government is using this jirga issue as a ruse to gain access to KP's mines and minerals.”

He thanked the PTI leadership for stopping the controversial KPMines and Minerals Bill 2025, calling it a backdoor attempt at centralizing control over local resources.

The bill, earlier rejected at a multi-party conference hosted by the Awami National Party (ANP), was criticized for being silent on revenue-sharing with local communities, despite proposing new licensing structures and a dedicated mining force.

➤ Existing ADR Law Already in Place

PTI leaders pointed out that KP already has an Alternative Dispute Resolution Act, 2020, and they are working to improve it.

“Why bypass the province when we already have a legislative framework in place?” asked Afridi.

The dispute reflects growing tension between the federal and KP governments over post-merger governance, resource control, and constitutional authority.

 
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