Pakistan declares five Bajaur villages cleared of militants after month-long operation

Amid ongoing targeted operations, authorities in Pakistan’s northwestern Bajaur district have declared at least five villages free of militants, allowing displaced families to return to their homes nearly a month after being forced to evacuate the area.

According to an official notification from Bajaur’s deputy commissioner, five villages, Larkala, Barkala, Ghanum Shah, Chamyar Jowar, and Chutra Warra Mamond, have been cleared of militants. “The state has restored its control, and life has returned to normal in the areas,” the notification stated.

It urged displaced residents, who evacuated after the military launched an operation last month against militants, to return to their homes, praising their patience and cooperation during the campaign. It also assured families that the state would provide protection and ensure their safety.

Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali said the return of residents from other affected areas would be carried out in phases, subject to further security clearance.

The announcement comes a day after the Bajaur Peace Jirga met with security officials to press for the completion of the operation. On August 31, the jirga warned it would march to Islamabad or stage a sit-in in the affected areas to protest the military action if it was not concluded within seven days.

Jirga welcomes the development

Dr. Hamidur Rehman, a provincial lawmaker and jirga member, welcomed the clearance of some areas but noted that security forces had assured them the operation would be wrapped up within 15 to 20 days.

“If the authorities had not announced the clearance, we would have been compelled to pursue our course of action,” he said.

Haroon Rashid, head of the Bajaur Peace Jirga, said residents had left their homes in cooperation with security forces at the jirga’s request. “From tomorrow onward, the process of return will start, and we hope all areas will be cleared soon,” he said, stressing that the community seeks peace and stability.

Residents have expressed relief at the announcement but remain concerned about safety and the potential for renewed clashes in the border district.

Special committee approved

Nisar Baaz, a provincial assembly member from Bajaur, called for the Inspector General (IG) of Police and the Peshawar Corps Commander to deliver an in-camera briefing on why the operation has not concluded despite running for a month.

Dr. Amjid Ali, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister, welcomed the idea, saying a special committee should be formed to summon all relevant authorities for answers. “It’s a way forward and will keep the assembly relevant,” he said.

With the consent of both government and opposition lawmakers, Speaker Baber Saleem Swati approved the formation of a special parliamentary committee on the situation. Representatives will be included in the body, which has summoned senior police officials on September 11 to brief the house on its terms of reference.

Timeline of the action

The current military operation in Bajaur began on August 11 after talks between the Bajaur Aman Jirga and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) collapsed. Authorities imposed a curfew in Mamund tehsil as fighting escalated. Dozens of civilians have since been reported killed or injured, fueling renewed protests by the jirga.

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

The government says it aims to restore lasting peace in Bajaur, but jirga leaders continue to demand a faster resolution to the conflict to allow displaced families to return to their homes permanently.