Latest news with #MuftiBaitullah
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Thousands rally in Dir Lower for peace
Thousands of local residents participated in Aman Pasawon in Dir Lower district on Sunday and protested against the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. They demanded decisive action against terrorists in the region to ensure lasting peace. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Population Welfare, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, addressed the gathering in Maidan, stressing that peace is the fundamental need of society and that all citizens must play an active role in maintaining it. Expressing gratitude to the people of Maidan, local elders, youth, and the Maidan Action Committee, he said, "Today's gathering is living proof that the people of Maidan categorically reject unrest, extremism, and chaos. We want peace for the bright future of our children, the comfort of our homes, and the development of our region and we are united in this goal." Applauding the spirit of the local population, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan highlighted their patience, resilience, and awareness during challenging times. "This unity, this awareness, and this collective voice bind us together today with renewed resolve," he added. He also acknowledged the participation and solidarity shown by tribal elders, youth, civil society, and leaders of the Maidan Action Committee at the peace gathering. Reaffirming the government's commitment, the Special Assistant assured the public of full support from the provincial government at every level for the promotion of peace, development, and public welfare. It may be recalled that on Friday, thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community. The Utmanzai Jirga announced that the next Aman Pasoon will be held in the Datta Khel tehsil of North Waziristan, where residents have been under curfew for the past eleven days. The Jirga urged the government to ease the restrictions and resolve all issues through dialogue and mutual consultation.
Express Tribune
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Utmanzai Jirga rejects more military Ops
Restoring peace and ensuring law and order in North Waziristan is the state's responsibility, and like citizens of other regions, the people of Utmanzai tribe deserve a peaceful life. These views were expressed during the "Aman Pasoon" (Peace Gathering) organized by the Utmanzai Jirga in Miranshah, the district headquarters of North Waziristan. Thousands of people, including tribal elders from across North Waziristan, political alliances, and representatives of the business community participated in the grand Jirga. Speaking to the media, Utmanzai Jirga spokesperson Mufti Baitullah said the Jirga, in consultation with political and business leaders, unanimously decided that no further displacement or military operations will be allowed in the region. "Military operations are not a solution," he stated, adding that previous offensives including Zarb-e-Azb failed to deliver lasting peace. He said progress has been made on several fronts in discussions with the government, including agreements on reopening the Pak-Afghan Ghulam Khan border for trade, relaxation of the curfew, and permission for non-custom paid (NCP) vehicles in the area. Mufti Baitullah expressed hope for continued positive developments in the talks with the government and reassured residents that efforts for peace and stability are ongoing. Dr Gul Alam, another participant, told the media that ensuring security and peace is the primary duty of the state. "Around the world, the foremost obligation of any government is to provide protection and peace to its citizens," he said. The Jirga also demanded the immediate release of Malik Akbar Khan, who has been in custody for the past eight months. The elders believe his release is crucial for restoring trust between the government and the local community.
Express Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sit-in against North Waziristan quad-copter 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 at 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.' Read more: India-backed Fitna Al Khwarij behind North Waziristan attack: ISPR 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 aim 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. Read more: Officials begin probe as sit-in against Waziristan strike continues The sit-in continues, with all major roads blocked, disrupting trade and transportation, severely impacting Pak-Afghan trade, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded and perishable goods at risk of spoilage. Traders are reporting losses worth millions of rupees due to the standstill. Local administration officials confirmed that talks with tribal leaders are ongoing to resolve the issue peacefully while respecting tribal customs. District officials have also launched an investigation into the deadly strike, though details remain unclear. Local tribesmen have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the attack, calling for accountability, while users on social media are also demanding stricter regulations to prevent civilian casualties in future operations.
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Thousands protest as suspected drone strike kills 4 children in northwest Pakistan
PESHAWAR: A suspected drone strike killed four children and wounded five others in northwest Pakistan, prompting thousands of residents to stage a protest by placing the children's bodies on a main road to demand justice, local elders said on Tuesday. It wasn't immediately clear who was behind Monday's attack in Mir Ali, which has been a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban, and there was no comment from the army. 'We are not blaming anyone, but we want justice, and the government should tell us who killed our children,' local tribal elder Mufti Baitullah said. He warned that the protest, currently staged at one regional roadblock, could expand if authorities fail to answer. 'We will not bury the bodies until we are told who is responsible for killing our innocent children,' he said, as people chanted 'we want justice.' There have been civilian casualties in military strikes in some parts of the country in recent years. In March, 11 people, including women and children, were killed when a drone attack targeted a house in the northwestern city of Mardan. A statement by the provincial government at the time had only said that there was 'collateral damage' in an operation that was conducted to target militants in a remote village. Residents in March also rallied until the government agreed to compensate the victims' families. Abdullah Khan, the managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies think tank, said Tuesday that militants also have been using quadcopters to target troops, but it still was unclear who was responsible for the drone attack in Mir Ali. The latest civilian casualties came amid ongoing military operations against the Pakistani Taliban, which have a strong presence in Mir Ali, a city in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, are a separate insurgent group from the Afghan Taliban, and they often target troops in the region. Nayak Muhammad Dawar, a provincial minister, condemned the attack in a statement Tuesday. He said that investigations were ongoing. Mir Ali and nearby districts located near Afghanistan were long a base for the Pakistani Taliban and other militant groups. The TTP have stepped up attacks in the region in recent months.
New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Thousands protest after a suspected drone strike kills four children in Pakistan
PESHAWAR: A suspected drone strike killed four children and wounded five others in Pakistan's restive northwest, prompting thousands of residents to stage a protest by placing the children's bodies on a main road to demand justice, local elders said on Tuesday. It was unclear who was behind Monday's attack in Mir Ali, which has been a stronghold of Pakistani Taliban, and there was no comment from the army about the incident. 'We are not blaming anyone, but we want justice, and the government should tell us who killed our children,' local tribal elder Mufti Baitullah said. He warned that the protest, currently staged at one regional roadblock, could expand if authorities fail to answer. 'We will not bury the bodies until we are told who is responsible for killing our innocent children,' he said, as people chanted 'we want justice.'
