Jirga Enables Reconciliation Between Chairman PTA and Senator Aimal Wali Khan

PESHAWAR: The tension between Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman and Awami National Party (ANP) President Senator Aimal Wali Khan has come to an end. Close relatives and respected community elders from both sides intervened and facilitated a reconciliation through a traditional Pashtun jirga.

Following the agreement, the PTA Chairman visited Bacha Khan Markaz in Peshawar, where Aimal Wali Khan, adhering to Pashtun customs, accepted the jirga. Upon his arrival, Aimal Wali Khan, along with party leaders and workers, warmly welcomed the PTA Chairman. The two leaders embraced each other, while attendees captured the moment through videos and photos.

Speaking on the occasion, PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez ur Rehman said the incident that occurred during the Senate committee meeting was a result of a misunderstanding. He stated that he had apologized at that time and had now come to Bacha Khan Markaz to remove any lingering grievances. He expressed great respect for Aimal Wali Khan and his family, calling Bacha Khan Markaz the home of all the oppressed and Pashtuns, where such matters are traditionally resolved through jirgas.

Aimal Wali Khan, speaking to the media, said that keeping Pashtun traditions in mind, he accepted the PTA Chairman’s jirga and welcomed him and his delegation to Bacha Khan Markaz. He added that while political disagreements may exist, cultural values and mutual respect must always take precedence.

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It is worth mentioning that a few days earlier, a tense exchange had taken place between the PTA Chairman and Aimal Wali Khan during a Senate Standing Committee meeting. Aimal Wali alleged that the PTA Chairman had asked him, “Have you come here after smoking hashish?” while the Chairman claimed it was a lighthearted joke. Aimal Wali subsequently submitted a privilege motion in the Senate, which was referred to the Privilege Committee. However, both leaders ultimately chose dialogue and reconciliation, finalized today through a traditional jirga.