Jirga Assesses Progress of Kohat Peace Agreement

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A grand jirga in Kohat reviewed the implementation of a peace agreement aimed at stabilizing Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), with both parties committing to disarmament and peace. This article examines the jirga’s efforts, the agreement’s impact, and the challenges to lasting stability in the region.

In early 2025, a grand jirga convened in Kohat to evaluate the progress of a peace deal signed between rival tribes in Kurram district, a region plagued by sectarian and land disputes. The agreement, finalized on January 1, 2025, at Kohat Fort, mandated both sides to surrender heavy weapons and dismantle bunkers, as confirmed by jirga member Malik Sawab Khan in a statement to Business Recorder. K-P government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif announced that the accord marked “a new era of peace and development,” with a deadline of February 1, 2025, for compliance, per The Express Tribune. The jirga, supervised by Kohat Division Commissioner Moatasim Billah Shah, also addressed road closures, with the Parachinar-Peshawar route remaining shut until peace is secured.

The Kohat agreement builds on earlier efforts, including a year-long peace deal signed on July 24, 2025, between Lower Kurram and Sadda tribes, which Kurram Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ashfaq Khan hailed as a “milestone for regional stability,” according to Dawn. The jirga’s focus on disarming factions and curbing hate speech reflects a commitment to ending violence that has claimed over 130 lives in Kurram due to decades-old disputes. However, challenges persist, as Tehsil Chairman Agha Muzamil highlighted a humanitarian crisis, with 123 children dying due to medical shortages, per Pakistan Observer. The jirga emphasized collaboration with law enforcement to enforce terms, with non-compliant parties facing government action.

Pakistan’s tribal regions demand robust governance to sustain peace. While the jirga’s efforts are commendable, critics argue that without addressing root causes like resource inequity and weak local administration, violence may resurface. The Kohat peace deal offers hope, but its success hinges on strict enforcement and community trust.

The jirga’s review underscores Pakistan’s resolve to restore order in Kurram. With firm implementation, the agreement could pave the way for lasting peace, honoring the region’s resilient people.