A Loya Jirga, or "grand council", is a mass national gathering that brings together representatives from the various ethnic, religious, and tribal communities in Afghanistan.
The gathering involves participation of Afghan tribal elders, religious figures, and political leaders.
The Loya Jirga is a centuries-old institution that has been convened at times of national crisis or to settle national issues.
Historically, it has been used to approve a new constitution, declare war, choose a new king, or to make sweeping social or political reforms.
It is considered the "highest expression" of the Afghan people, but it is not an official decision-making body.
Its decisions are not legally binding and any verdict it hands out must be approved by the two houses of the Afghan parliament and the president in order for it to be made official.
.PNG)