Swat women’s jirga calls for ceasefire

KABUL’s picturesque northwestern valley of Swat on Saturday urged the government and militants to announce a ceasefire and launch peace talks.

Held in Mingora district, the 25-member forum was presided over by Khwendo Jirga (Sisters Council) chairperson Tabasum Adnan, according to the news website DawnNews.

Expressing concern at the prevailing security situation in Swat district, the participants said the use of force offered no solution to the problem. Peace could be restored through talks, they believed.

Tabasum Adnan was quoted as saying: “It is obvious that women are being affected by the worsening law and order situation in the country, particularly in the restive areas.”

Swat’s women wanted the government and militants to initiate dialogue for peace as early as possible, she said, calling for effective steps to curb incidents of targeted killings.

PAN Monitor/mud

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