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KABAUL: The finance ministry says it has allocated 369 million Afs (around five million USD) for the expenses of the Consultative Loya Jirga slated to be held this month to discuss peace ways.
More than 2,000 people from across the country are to be called for the three-day jirga.
Ziaulhaq Amarkhil, deputy head of the jirga commission said Friday that the jirga participants are from political parties, civil society, lawmakers and tribal elders and would work in 23 parts.
“Government officials will attend the jirga as guests and they are not members, neither provincial governors, nor mayors and district governors. Only people’s representatives can make decision,” Amarkhil said.
Meanwhile, members of parliament criticize the government for allocating such large amount, with Javid Rasouli, head of senate’s commission for international relations saying that there was no transparency in the jirga budget. He said the money would likely be spent for political campaigns.
“The government allocates this huge amount and calls thousands of people to the jirga. I hope it obeys the decisions made by jirga members,” said another member of parliament, Erfanullah Erfan.
The consultative Loya Jirga is called as part of government’s efforts for peace with Taliban. But the militants have yet to accept to hold a face to face conversation with Ghani administration.
