Latest news with #Utmanzai
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- 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 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.
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.
