Pakistan: The Role Of Jirga And PTM – OpEd

In the complex socio-political landscape of Pakistan, the Jirga system has long been an integral part of conflict resolution, especially in the tribal regions of the Pashtun belt. This traditional assembly, which brings together elders and community members to mediate disputes and administer justice, has served as a peaceful mechanism for addressing issues within these communities.

The Pakistani government, recognizing the significance of the Jirga system, has actively supported these assemblies in an effort to promote peace and stability. By contrast, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a controversial movement in Pakistan, has taken an opposing stance, advocating for processes that are seen by many as illegal, particularly in terms of human and land rights. This difference in approach has led to heightened tensions between the government and PTM, posing significant challenges to peace efforts in the region.

The Pakistani government’s role in facilitating peaceful Jirgas has been essential in maintaining order in areas that have historically been affected by conflict. The state’s collaboration with security forces to safeguard these gatherings demonstrates a commitment to peacebuilding. Security personnel have protected Jirga sites, ensuring the safety of tents, volunteers, and participants, thereby allowing these traditional assemblies to take place without the threat of violence or external interference. This partnership between the state and local tribal leaders has allowed the Jirga system to function as a platform for resolving disputes, upholding justice, and fostering dialogue, all of which are crucial for maintaining peace in the volatile tribal areas.

However, while the government has supported these peaceful initiatives, PTM has taken a markedly different approach. The movement has been criticized for advocating unlawful processes, particularly in regard to land rights. PTM’s stance on illegal land rights protections has undermined the rule of law in the region and has contributed to tensions between the state and local communities. By supporting what many see as unfair and illegal claims to land, PTM has positioned itself as an entity that challenges the government’s authority and the legal frameworks that govern land ownership. This stance has not only created friction between the movement and the government but has also hindered efforts to resolve disputes through peaceful and lawful means.

The contrast between the government’s support for peaceful Jirgas and PTM’s backing of illegal processes is stark. While the Jirga system emphasizes dialogue, negotiation, and community-based justice, PTM’s approach has been seen as one that fosters division and promotes instability. This has raised concerns about the long-term implications of PTM’s actions for peace and stability in the region. Rather than working towards reconciliation and legal resolution of disputes, PTM’s support for illegal land rights protections has further polarized communities and deepened the divide between the Pashtun population and the state.

Complicating matters further, the Pashtun National Court, which operates with the backing of PTM, has been accused of exacerbating tensions with the state. Rather than engaging in peaceful negotiations, the Pashtun National Court has taken a more confrontational approach, one that threatens the unity and sovereignty of Pakistan. The court’s actions have been perceived as an attempt to undermine the state’s authority, creating an antagonistic relationship between the Pashtun community and the government. This has raised concerns that the Pashtun National Court, rather than serving as a forum for justice, is working towards destabilizing the region and promoting discord. The court’s unpeaceful negotiations and refusal to engage constructively with the state have further strained relations and complicated efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the issues facing the Pashtun community.

Adding to these concerns is the allegation that PTM leader Manzoor Pashteen enjoys protection from anti-Pakistani intelligence agencies. This accusation has raised questions about the movement’s true motives and its alignment with foreign entities that seek to undermine Pakistan’s stability. The support Pashteen allegedly receives from these foreign agencies has cast a shadow over PTM’s claims of advocating for the rights of the Pashtun people. Instead, it has led many to believe that the movement is being used as a tool by external forces to destabilize Pakistan and create unrest in the region. This perception has further eroded trust between the state and PTM, making it difficult to engage in constructive dialogue.

One of the most controversial actions taken by PTM has been its call for the international community to criticize Pakistan’s efforts in promoting human rights and addressing the concerns of the Pashtun people. PTM has urged global powers to disregard Pakistan’s initiatives, framing the state as hostile to Pashtun rights. This move has been seen as an attempt to undermine Pakistan’s image on the international stage, drawing attention away from the government’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. PTM’s call for international intervention has further complicated the situation, as it has shifted the focus away from internal solutions and towards external pressure, which could potentially exacerbate tensions rather than resolve them.

Ultimately, the stark contrast between the Pakistani government’s support for peaceful Jirgas and PTM’s backing of illegal processes highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region. The government’s efforts, in collaboration with security forces, to protect and facilitate the Jirga system represent a genuine commitment to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. However, PTM’s confrontational approach, its support for unlawful land rights claims, and its alignment with foreign entities threaten to undermine these efforts. As the government continues to promote peaceful solutions through traditional frameworks, PTM’s actions present a significant challenge to long-term peace and stability. For the region to move towards reconciliation, it is essential that all parties engage in lawful and peaceful processes, free from external interference and committed to the unity and sovereignty of Pakistan.