Latest news with #Zarb-e-Azb
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- 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
5 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
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
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Afghan rulers must honour Doha deal to ensure regional stability: Bilawal Bhutto
Listen to article Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the Taliban government's repeated breaches of its commitments are contributing to instability in the region, urging the Afghan interim administration to uphold the promises made in the Doha Agreement. Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad titled "Pakistan: A Bulwark Against Terrorism", Bilawal said terrorism is a global challenge and emphasised that Pakistan has paid a heavy price both in lives and resources in the fight against it. He added that Pakistan continues to carry out strong actions against terrorist groups. 'For over two decades, our armed forces have played an effective role in the war against terrorism,' he said, highlighting military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, which he said broke the back of terrorist networks. He described digital propaganda as one of the most complex challenges of the current era. Read: Bilawal urges India to uphold ceasefire 'We never invited terrorism, but when it came, we did not bow—we fought,' Bhutto stated. 'There is no word for surrender in Pakistan's dictionary. We call on the world to respect our passport, our sacrifices, and our resolve.' Bhutto also extended a message to India, saying it should learn from Pakistan's counterterrorism capabilities. 'We are ready to work with India to counter terrorism. Let's talk—about Kashmir, water, and terrorism,' he said. Repeating his warning, Bhutto said the Taliban's broken promises continue to destabilise the region and urged Afghanistan's interim rulers to fully honour the commitments made under the Doha Agreement.
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Peace is our priority but will respond more strongly if provoked: DG ISPR
Listen to article The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has warned that any future aggression against the country would be met with a 'more severe' response, while reiterating that it remains committed to peace. 'We are peace-loving and give priority to peace. It is our first choice. But if you make this mistake again, our response will be even more intense," he said on Saturday while addressing a special session attended by over 2,500 students from various universities of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the ISPR said in a statement. The event, held in a festive atmosphere marked by nationalist slogans and songs, drew loud chants of 'Long live the Pakistan Army' and 'Kashmir will become Pakistan.' Students waved national flags and voiced support for the military. Read more: Pakistan's military dismisses Indian water threat as 'insane thinking' Chaudhry said Pakistan's armed forces had previously responded decisively to Indian air raids, including retaliatory strikes on 26 targets. He referenced the death of a young boy in Muzaffarabad, saying the brigade headquarters responsible for the attack was 'destroyed.' 'Our aircraft targeted only military infrastructure,' he said. 'We did not strike any civilian population, infrastructure, or place of worship because we believe in peace.' The army spokesperson also accused India of being behind various militant activities in Pakistan, including unrest in Balochistan and attacks by extremist groups. 'Behind every terrorist act in Pakistan, whether in Balochistan or elsewhere, stands India's hand,' he said. Addressing Afghan authorities, he urged them not to allow militants to use Afghan territory to launch attacks on Pakistan. 'Do not become proxies of India,' he said, adding that the problem lies with certain Afghan elites allegedly funded by New Delhi. Read more: Govt doesn't rule out Zarb-e-Azb style action in Balochistan DG ISPR also condemned hardline groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), accusing them of distorting Islamic teachings and seeking support from India. 'You ask for help from those who violate the dignity of Kashmiri women,' he said. Reiterating Pakistan's long-standing stance on the Kashmir dispute, he told the audience: 'The time has come again — Kashmir will become Pakistan.' The latest escalation between Pakistan and India began on April 22, when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame. In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day on April 23, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies. Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. Read More: French intelligence official confirms downing of Rafale by Pakistan In a swift military response, Pakistan's armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, when India targeted Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets. US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense diplomatic efforts overnight. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.
