KOHAT: The joint Kurram-Hangu peace jirga held here on Sunday urged the tribal elders to surrender arms, which is key to establishing peace in the region under the Kohat Peace Accord.

General Officer Commanding, Kohat, Maj-Gen Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti chaired the forum.

The participants reiterated their resolve to continue unconditional cooperation with all the government institutions for the establishment of lasting peace in the region and not to support any anti-state element or activity.

Kohat division commissioner Syed Motasim Billah Shah, elders and other relevant officials were also in attendance.

The forum reviewed the performance of local peace committees.

The meeting also discussed the issues of the tribesmen in various sectors, especially in health and education sectors.

The tribal elders agreed to forgo all the differences, and ensure the full implementation of the Kohat Peace Agreement.

The jirga was called on the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and chief secretary Syed Shahab Ali Shah.

SECTION 144: The district administration has asked the residents living astride the River Indus to leave their houses as the river is in high flood at Khushalgarh, where water level is continuously rising.

Deputy commissioner Abdul Akram Chitrali has imposed the Section 144, asking people to stay away from the riverbanks.

The police checkposts at the old doublestorey iron bridge have also been vacated from both Punjab and KP sides. Correspondent