RAWALPINDI: The World Peace Jirga Program (WPJP) hosted a seminar on Business Promotion, Peace and Development at the Shalimar Grand Hotel, Rawalpindi, on September 1, 2026.
The event was led by WPJP Chairman Mr Rayatullah Khan, known as Khan Baba, and Women Peace Jirga Program Chairperson Ms Sadia Khan, known as Khan Bibi.
According to the organisers, the seminar brought together stakeholders committed to strengthening the traditional Jirga system, promoting peace and national unity, and facilitating business and investment opportunities across Pakistan.
A key objective of the seminar was to advance the establishment of Jirga committees at national and international levels. WPJP said it had established and promoted Jirga committees across Pakistan to create a community-based mechanism for dialogue, conflict resolution, reconciliation, business promotion and development.
During the seminar, Khan Baba highlighted his longstanding voluntary service with affected communities in Swat during the period of military operations against militancy. He said he worked as a volunteer in support of the Pakistan Army and affected families, assisting communities and supporting rehabilitation, reconstruction, peace and stability during a difficult period for the people of Swat.
WPJP said his work had remained focused on supporting peace, reconciliation, rehabilitation and development in conflict-affected communities.
The WPJP leadership also highlighted Khan Baba’s association with young people and peace-oriented initiatives in Swat, including his support for Malala Yousafzai during the difficult period affecting the Swat Valley. Malala Yousafzai was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her advocacy of the right of every child to education.
According to WPJP, Khan Baba considers the protection of education, youth development, women’s participation and peaceful community engagement as important elements of sustainable peace and development.
The seminar also focused on the promotion of gold exploration and mining projects in Pakistan, along with investment and development opportunities in other natural-resource and productive sectors.
WPJP said it had consistently focused on development opportunities in agriculture, livestock, tourism, mining, education, health, women’s empowerment and small industries.
The leadership stated that these sectors had significant potential to generate employment, encourage entrepreneurship, attract domestic and international investment, improve livelihoods and contribute to long-term peace and prosperity across Pakistan.
The World Peace Jirga Program works to strengthen community-based dialogue and reconciliation mechanisms across Pakistan, promoting peace, national unity, business development and investment through the traditional Jirga system.
The media contact for the programme was listed as the World Peace Jirga Program, Rawalpindi, with Rukhshanda as media coordinator.
