The Khyber Aman Jirga, scheduled to take place on 25 October in Bara, Khyber district, must include women in its peace discussions, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW) has urged. The Commission said women’s participation in peace and policy dialogues is a constitutional, legal, and policy obligation.
Chaired by Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sohail Afridi, the Khyber Aman Jirga aims to promote peace and reconciliation in the region. In an official communiqué issued on Thursday, KPCSW highlighted that Article 25(2) of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal opportunities for all citizens, while Section 6(b) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Women Empowerment Act 2016 ensures women’s inclusion in policymaking processes.
The Commission also reminded authorities of Pakistan’s commitments under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, which underscores the essential role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
KPCSW called upon the Chief Secretary, district administration, and relevant authorities to ensure women from civil society are given representation in the Khyber Aman Jirga so their perspectives are included in matters of peace and development.
“Excluding women from such forums is not only a violation of constitutional principles but also weakens efforts toward sustainable peace,” the statement read. The Commission reiterated that inclusive participation in the Khyber Aman Jirga is vital for good governance, effective decision-making, and long-term stability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
