A cross-border jirga of political and civil society leaders has called on Pakistan and Afghanistan to de-escalate tensions, end hostilities, and immediately reopen all border crossings to restore the movement of people and trade.
The jirga, a traditional council of elders, was convened in Pakistan’s Peshawar district and brought together parliamentarians, former lawmakers, bureaucrats, representatives of political parties, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members.
Joint declaration
In a joint declaration, participants urged both countries to implement an immediate ceasefire, stressing that “strict adherence” would be essential to reduce escalating tensions.
They also called on Islamabad and Kabul to ensure their territories are not used for hostile activities against each other, emphasizing that both sides must enforce this commitment using their full authority.
The declaration underscored the need to resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy rather than conflict.
“War is not a solution to any problem; lasting peace can only be guaranteed through mutual respect and understanding,” it said.
Participants recommended establishing a joint, permanent platform to enable continuous engagement, saying it would help both sides better understand each other’s positions and constraints.
The jirga also called for reopening all border crossings to restore public movement and trade.
On the issue of undocumented Afghans, members said returns should take place with dignity and warned that external actors have fueled tensions that are not in the interest of either country.
Call for implementation
Muhammad Shehzad Arbab, head of the jirga, told Nukta that participants held significant influence in both Pakistan and Afghanistan and expressed confidence their involvement would help yield positive outcomes.
He said jirga members would convey their demands to Pakistan’s federal government, as well as to the public and civil society, to build pressure on the Afghan Taliban to ensure implementation.
Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi, a former minister and jirga member, said people on both sides of the border seek peace, not conflict.
“If we want to resolve all issues, we must come to the negotiating table, as dialogue remains the best and ultimate option,” he said.
Clashes timeline
Border crossings between Pakistan and Afghanistan were closed after clashes on February 26, when both sides exchanged heavy gunfire following a Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan targeting suspected cross-border militants.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused militants of operating from Afghan territory, a claim denied by Kabul.
Tensions had been mounting since earlier incidents, including explosions in Kabul on October 9, which triggered retaliatory attacks along the border, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and the closure of trade routes on October 12.
Despite multiple rounds of talks held in Qatar and Turkey, Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan authorities have yet to reach a lasting agreement.
However, following recent negotiations, the Torkham border crossing in Pakistan’s Khyber district has been temporarily reopened to facilitate the repatriation of undocumented Afghans.
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