WANA – Authorities in Lower South Waziristan imposed a day-long curfew across several areas on Tuesday. The move came amid growing security concerns, while thousands of residents in North Waziristan and Tirah Valley held protests against planned military operations.
They demanded peace, dignity, and an end to forced displacement.
Curfew Enforced to Ensure Public Safety
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nasir Khan announced a curfew from 6 AM to 7 PM. The restriction covered Tehsil Shakai, Tiarza Gate, Angoor Adda, Azizabad Chowk, Tanai, Karb Kot, and nearby areas of lower South Waziristan. Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) was enforced, banning all movement and commercial activities. Shops and markets remained closed throughout the day. Authorities warned violators of legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The district administration advised residents to move 100 meters away from roads when security convoys pass. “We urge full cooperation to maintain peace,” the notification stated. The curfew aimed to stabilize the region, which has seen recent attacks and targeted killings. A mosque blast in March 2025 injured four people, including a JUI-F leader.
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Waziristan and Tirah Residents Demand Peace
On 4 July, thousands in North Waziristan and Tirah Valley staged coordinated protests. They opposed proposed military operations and called for dialogue instead. In Mir Ali bazaar, a large crowd gathered after Friday prayers. Protesters denounced both militancy and state policies. “This is our collective stand for peace and the right to stay on our land,” said a resident from Spinwam tehsil.
Demonstrators carried banners reading “No to Operation” and vowed not to leave their homes. “Our lives and deaths will be on our soil,” they chanted. In Tirah Valley, a parallel jirga condemned violence and displacement. Community leaders demanded justice and political solutions over military action. “The people want peace, not war,” said a jirga speaker.
The protests highlighted frustration with both Taliban activities and military operations. Locals insisted that peace should be shaped by the people, not imposed from above. Observers called the protests a grassroots rejection of more conflict.
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Rising Tensions and A Call For Accountability
The curfew and protests reflect growing instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In January 2025 alone, militant attacks rose by 42%. These incidents killed 91 people, including 35 security personnel, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. A suicide bombing in June 2025 killed 16 soldiers in Mir Ali and injured 29 others.
Some online posts suggested the curfews may also help facilitate resource extraction. These claims remain unverified. The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) has raised similar concerns. The group, banned in October 2024, had demanded an end to landmines and extrajudicial killings in Waziristan.
Despite its ban, PTM’s demands still resonate. Many protesters echoed the call for peaceful, dialogue-based solutions.
Also Read: Terror Attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rise With 756 Cases in Six Months
A Public Demand for Peace
The simultaneous curfew and protests show the complex situation in the tribal belt. Authorities cite security needs, but residents are calling for long-term peace. Their demands focus on transparency, justice, and a political end to the violence. As pressure mounts, the government faces urgent calls to act on local grievances and end the cycle of conflict.
