By: AISRS Cultural Research Team
In the cultural and political structure of the Afghans, the Jirga has long been a vital mechanism for resolving conflicts and addressing societal issues. The Jirga is a traditional forum for peaceful discussions, deeply rooted in Pashtunwali, the code of conduct among Pashtuns. This customary gathering serves as a platform where community elders and leaders come together to settle disputes, promote unity, and ensure justice. The Jirga is a crucial element of the Pashtun social system, playing a constructive role in conflict resolution throughout history.
Historically, the first Grand Jirga in modern Afghan history was convened by Mirwais Khan Hotak known as Mirwais Nikeh (1088 AH 1709 AD)
This jirga was held in Manjeh area of Kandahar under the leadership of Mirwais Nikeh. The Jirga lasted for one day and it was decided to end the domination of Gorgin Khan in Kandahar.
The Historical Role of the Jirga Since Ahmad Shah Durrani
Since the time of Ahmad Shah Durrani, the Jirga has been instrumental in the tribal and political structure of the Pashtuns and Afghanistan. When Ahmad Shah Durrani established the foundation of Afghanistan in the mid-18th century, Jirgas played a key role in fostering tribal unity and cooperation. Durrani used Jirgas to establish national unity and independence, gathering tribal elders to settle disputes and create a cohesive Afghan state. During his reign, Jirgas were an effective mechanism for conflict resolution, policymaking, and fostering national solidarity.
Jirgas During the Reign of Amanullah Khan
In the early 20th century, during the reign of Amanullah Khan, Jirgas played a significant role in the process of national reforms. Amanullah Khan, known for achieving Afghanistan’s independence and introducing modernization, utilized the traditional Jirga system to advance his reform agenda. Jirgas were convened to gather public support for his initiatives and reforms across the country.
During his reign, Amanullah Khan used Jirgas as a tool for social and economic progress. Through these gatherings, he communicated the message of independence and gained the backing of tribal leaders and religious scholars. The support gained through these Jirgas helped solidify the legitimacy of his reforms, making it easier to implement them across different regions of Afghanistan.
Jirgas During the Reign of King Zahir Shah
King Zahir Shah, who ruled Afghanistan from 1933 to 1973, also made extensive use of Jirgas in the political and social structures of the country. Zahir Shah’s era is marked by significant political reforms, including the introduction of a new constitution, and Jirgas played a central role in these developments.
One of the most notable Jirgas under Zahir Shah was the 1964 Loya Jirga, which was convened to draft and approve Afghanistan’s new constitution. This Loya Jirga was a historic event in Afghanistan’s political history, as it laid the foundation for a constitutional monarchy and brought together representatives from across the country. Tribal leaders, scholars, and other key figures participated in discussions that shaped the future political structure of Afghanistan.
The goal of this Loya Jirga was to create a legal framework that would represent the will of the Afghan people and promote stability in the country. Under Zahir Shah’s reign, Jirgas were not only vital in the legislative process but also in resolving tribal disputes, ensuring peace and unity among the Afghan people.
During the 20-year period of the last Republic, several important Jirgas were held to make major national and political decisions. Some examples of the Jirga period of the Republic are worth mentioning:
The Emergency Loya Jirga in 2002, The Constitutional Loya Jirga in 2003 and The Peace Consultative Loya Jirga in 2010.
The Role of Jirgas in the Social and Political System
Throughout Afghan history, Jirgas have served as an essential part of maintaining social and legal order. In Afghanistan’s tribal areas, where central government influence has often been limited, the Jirga remains the primary means of resolving disputes and achieving justice. Jirga members, typically the elders and leaders of the community, deliberate over local issues and conflicts, providing solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved. In this way, Jirgas have been vital in sustaining law and order within Afghan society, from ancient times to the present.
The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and the Contemporary Significance of Jirgas
In contemporary times, the Pashtun tradition of Jirgas has been revived and utilized by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM). The PTM is a grassroots movement that seeks to safeguard the rights and dignity of Pashtuns, particularly in the wake of terrorism and military operations that have negatively impacted their regions. The PTM has embraced the Jirga system as a peaceful method to address the grievances of the Pashtun people.
One of the most significant Jirgas organized by the PTM is scheduled for October 11th in Khyber. This Jirga is taking place at a time when Pashtuns are facing multiple challenges due to terrorism and military operations. The goal of this Jirga is to bring Pashtuns together, foster unity, and highlight their concerns on a global stage. Through the Jirga, the PTM aims to protect Pashtun rights and resolve their issues in a peaceful and just manner, making it a vital step towards unity and reconciliation.
The Importance of the October 11th Jirga
The October 11th Jirga in Khyber is a significant event for the PTM and the broader Pashtun community. This gathering is intended to promote peace, unity, and solidarity among Pashtuns and to seek a peaceful resolution to the challenges they face. The Jirga is also seen as a platform to raise awareness about the injustices suffered by Pashtuns and to advocate for their rights on an international level.
This Jirga represents a renewed political and social consciousness among Pashtuns, emphasizing peaceful and non-violent methods of resolving conflicts and advocating for their rights. It is expected to serve as a historic milestone for the PTM, helping to foster unity among Pashtuns and securing a fair resolution to their grievances.
Positive Impacts of the PTM Jirga
The PTM Jirga is expected to have several positive impacts, the foremost being the promotion of unity and solidarity among Pashtuns. The Jirga provides a platform for dialogue and understanding, offering an opportunity for conflicting parties to find common ground and chart a path toward peace. The peaceful approach of the PTM through the Jirga system is a significant step toward addressing the rights of the Pashtun people.
This Jirga will not only serve as a platform for the Pashtun community but will also inspire the Baloch and other marginalized groups to engage in peaceful struggles for their rights. It can become a powerful catalyst for unity among these communities, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. By demonstrating how traditional mechanisms like the Jirga can be used to address grievances and advocate for justice, this event could encourage these underrepresented groups to come together, form alliances, and work collectively toward their common goals. Ultimately, it holds the potential to strengthen the bonds between these communities and promote a broader movement for equality, justice, and the recognition of their rights in a peaceful and constructive manner.
Moreover, the PTM Jirga will send a clear message to the international community that the Pashtun people are committed to peaceful, non-violent means of securing their rights and addressing the issues they face. It will be a symbol of Pashtun unity and strength, and a testament to the power of collective action through traditional mechanisms like the Jirga.
Conclusion
The Jirga tradition has been an essential part of Pashtun society for centuries, serving as a critical tool for fostering unity, ensuring justice, and promoting peace. From Ahmad Shah Durrani’s time through the reigns of Amanullah Khan and King Zahir Shah, Jirgas have played an indispensable role in resolving tribal disputes and enacting political reforms. In modern times, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has revitalized the Jirga system as a peaceful means of securing Pashtun rights. The October 11th Jirga in Khyber is poised to be a pivotal moment in the movement’s history, offering a path toward greater unity, peace, and justice for the Pashtun people.