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Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Tribes say no to any security operation in Waziristan
A powerful and unprecedented protest unfolded in North Waziristan tribal district on Friday as thousands of tribesmen took to the streets to oppose a potential military operation in the region. The protest reached its peak in Mir Ali, one of the area's most important towns, where demonstrators offered Friday prayers in congregation on a two-kilometer stretch of the main highway, effectively shutting down commercial activity and sending a strong political message. The protest, far more than a religious gathering, served as a peaceful but forceful public referendum against what locals see as government's destructive policies. With shops closed and the slogan "Operation Not Accepted" resonating throughout the area, it marked a significant moment of political awareness, public unity, and resistance. Leading the prayers and protest was Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) MNA Mufti Misbahuddin, who declared during his sermon: "This prayer is the nation's peaceful rejection of any possible operation. We are standing for the protection of our homes, lands, markets, and children. No power can displace us again." He added that tribal communities had established peace in the past and will not accept "devastation in the name of peace" again. Mufti Baitullah, speaking on behalf of the Utmanzai tribal council, announced three key decisions: If a military operation is launched in any village, the entire population will come out of their homes in protest. Peaceful demonstrations will be held across the region, urging people not to vacate their houses. Shops and homes will not be abandoned under any circumstances. Traders from towns including Miranshah, Mir Ali, Khaddi, Harmuz, Hassu Khel, and Epi voiced their frustration, saying that damages from the 2014 Zarb-e-Azb operation have still not been compensated. Haji Gul Muhammad, a local shopkeeper, said: "We rebuilt our shops on loans, restarted businesses from scratch, but every few months we hear of another operation. Our lives are stuck in uncertainty." He recalled how women were forced to live for months in open fields, schools, and tent camps during the last displacement. "This time, if they come, we won't leave. We'll sit in front of them." After Zarb-e-Azb, over 7,500 shops in Miranshah and more than 800 in Mir Ali were completely destroyed. More than 2,000 homes suffered partial or complete damage, and commercial goods worth millions of rupees were lost to looting or fire. Tribal elder Nisar Ali Khan revealed that they've been informed of preparations for a "clearance operation" in certain areas. "We will not stay silent this time," he warned, pointing to past incidents of forced displacement, extrajudicial arrests, and human rights violations during military operations. "Today, the people of North Waziristan have told the world they are peacefulbut they will not offer further sacrifices. Their patience has run out." He cautioned that if the government ignores the public's voice, future tribal resistance may intensifynot just on the streets, but also within legal and political frameworks. This mass protest comes amid a backdrop of rising violence in the region, including skirmishes between security forces and terrorists, roadside bombings, and multiple suicide attacks. Locals believe these incidents are being used as a pretext to launch a fresh military campaign.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sit-in against drone strike enters 5th day
A protest sit-in by tribesmen in the Mir Ali tehsil of North Waziristan tribal district against a recent quad-copter strike entered its fifth day on Friday, with demonstrators vowing to stay put until their demands are met. The quad-copter dropped explosives on a house in the Hormuz area of Mir Ali earlier this week, killing four children from the same family and critically injuring their mother along with some other women. The attack has triggered widespread outrage, with local tribesmen and activists condemning it as a violation of human rights. Fingers were pointed the security forces following the tragic incident. However, the military said on May 19 that "these claims are entirely baseless and are part of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at discrediting the security forces' steadfast efforts in the ongoing counterterrorism operations." The military's media wing added that a comprehensive investigation initiated after the incident has established that "this heinous act has been orchestrated and executed by India-sponsored Fitna Al Khwarij" — a reference to the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has officially be designated as such. "It is evident that these elements — acting at the behest of their Indian masters — continue to exploit civilian areas and vulnerable populations as shields to conduct their reprehensible acts of terrorism," it further stated, adding that such tactics aims to unsuccessfully sow discord between the local population and the security forces. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to find a negotiated end to the sit-in. Mufti Baitullah, a spokesperson for the Utmanzai tribe, stated that the district administration had sent a traditional delegation along with two goats and Sufi mediators as part of a Nanawatey (tribal reconciliation gesture). Subsequently, the sit-in organisers postponed a planned march to Islamabad until Monday as a goodwill gesture. However, Mufti Baitullah warned that if the government fails to address their demands by then, protesters will march to the capital with the bodies of the victims.
