Curfew and Crisis: North Waziristan's Battle for Security

In a significant development, North Waziristan finds itself under a complete curfew as militant activities surge, heightening local insecurity. Reports by Dawn News highlight ongoing negotiations in Bajaur between authorities and Pakistani Taliban (TTP) leaders, urging them to either retreat to Afghanistan or disappear into the mountains.

Friday witnessed a unique unity parade in Shewa tehsil of North Waziristan, where tribal elders and activists converged to oppose what they see as a deteriorating security landscape. Speakers at the event criticized state institutions for enabling militant resurgence, leaving civilians trapped in perpetual fear.

In Bajaur, a delegation, including PTI lawmakers, urged TTP operatives to vacate populated areas. However, militants sought more time for consultation with Afghan handlers. The situation paints a grim picture of state complicity with extremists, revealing the state's reliance on militants as strategic assets rather than dismantling their infrastructure. A subsequent jirga involved military and political figures making hollow commitments to peace.

(With inputs from agencies.)