Introduction to Loya Jirga

The genius of Afghanistan’s ancient culture has endowed the Nation with historic and invaluable traditions of social and political importance. Particularly precious and deeply ingrained within the society is the sacred Religion of Islam. The basis for Jirga is the Holy Quran which commands Muslims to Shura (consultation). Jirga is referred to an assembly where tribal leaders and influential bodies gather to decide on issues of special importance concerning the community’s vital national, regional and international interests. The historical roots of Jirga can be traced from the times of the ancient Arians and Kanishka the Great. For the same reason, its historical value and efficiency in solving major societal issues is still a salient factor in the present Afghan political context. Jirga is a reliable and honorable process of decision making within the Afghan societies where after serious discussions – decisions are made by involving all layers of the society. The process of holding Jirgas along the history - to decide on vital issues - has become an efficient mechanism in solving and saving the country from national and international crises. 

In retrospect, after the formation of the Interim Government, by holding the Emergency Loya Jirga and the Loya Jirga for the Constitution, the Afghan Interim Government was able to formulate and establish an organizational and structural framework for the new polity of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan that addressed problems inherited from decades of war and conflict. So at the present juncture, yet faced with many other challenges, the Afghan government strongly believes that Jirga still plays a vital and decisive role within the Afghan communities and political sphere.