Tribal council gives 7-day deadline to end military offensive in Pakistan's Bajaur

A tribal peace jirga in Pakistan’s northwestern Bajaur district has given authorities seven days to halt counterterrorism operations, facilitate the safe return of displaced residents, and ensure lasting peace in the region.

In a joint declaration, the Bajaur Aman Jirga warned that failure to meet the deadline would trigger sit-in protests in the affected areas or a long march to Islamabad. The gathering brought together tribal elders, political leaders, youth representatives, and traders, reflecting growing frustration over continued unrest in the tribal district bordering Afghanistan.

Dr Hamid ur Rehman, a provincial lawmaker and member of the jirga, said residents vacated their homes at the request of authorities, causing mass displacement, yet security forces had not cleared the area of militants.

“Within seven days, we expect clarity on the security forces’ plans; otherwise, we will decide our own course of action,” he said.

Rehman added that residents had been assured civilians would not be harmed, but violations continued. “We will also not vacate any other area unless the state guarantees sufficient time and proper arrangements for displaced residents,” he said.

Another jirga member, Gul Karim Khan, criticized the state for mobilizing local militias against militants, calling it unconstitutional and unlawful. “The use of civilian militias must be stopped, as in the past those who joined such campaigns were later targeted,” Khan said, stressing that security was the responsibility of state institutions.

According to officials, security forces have so far cleared six of more than 30 areas from militants and urged displaced residents to return. But the timeline for concluding the operation remains unclear, with authorities only saying it will end “soon.”

The current offensive in Bajaur began on Aug. 11 after peace talks between the Bajaur Aman Jirga and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) collapsed, prompting authorities to impose a curfew in Mamund tehsil. Dozens of civilians have since been reported killed or injured, sparking renewed protests by the jirga.

An earlier operation on July 29 left three civilians dead and 11 wounded, fueling local resistance and direct negotiations with the TTP. A 10-day ceasefire followed, but after seven rounds of talks failed, the military resumed its offensive.