KP lawmakers unite against military operations in Pakistan's tribal areas

Lawmakers in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have united against the possibility of new military operations in the tribal districts, citing a history of failures and mass displacements.

KP Assembly Speaker Babar Salim Swati suggested summoning the Corps Commander Peshawar for a briefing on the region's security.

During a session on law and order on Monday, both government and opposition members opposed military intervention in tribal areas. Opposition leaders rejected the idea outright, while government representatives clarified that any such decision would rest with the provincial government and Chief Minister.

The Kurram district has become a focal point of concern after gunmen killed 43 passengers traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar on November 21, triggering retaliatory clashes between Shia and Sunni communities. The violence has claimed over 150 lives, injured 200 people, and displaced hundreds of families. Road closures and severe shortages of food and medicine have worsened the crisis in Parachinar.

Call for accountability

Speaker Swati acknowledged concerns raised in the assembly, noting that over two decades of operations in KP had displaced millions and created a trust deficit between the military and elected representatives. He directed the Inspector General of Police to brief opposition leaders and assembly members on current security measures.

"In the next phase, the corps commander will be summoned for a detailed briefing on the law-and-order situation," Swati said.

Lawmakers criticize past operations

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) parliamentary leader Ahmad Kundi submitted an adjournment motion, urging an in-depth discussion on the deteriorating security situation. "Unrest has resurfaced in southern districts," Kundi warned, calling the situation alarming.

Awami National Party member Nisar Baz criticized past interventions. "Despite 21 military operations, peace remains elusive. Tribal people are still deprived of development and basic rights," Baz said, lamenting forced evacuations in Bajaur, Tirah, and Waziristan.

Call for sustainable peace

Ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Abdul Ghani stressed that peace is essential for the region's progress. "Multiple operations under various names have been conducted, but the tribal people can no longer bear the burden of more operations," he said, adding that terrorism has devastated the area and diverted resources.

A history of sacrifice

Provincial Minister Fazal Hakim highlighted the heavy toll of past efforts, citing over 400 drone strikes, the deaths of nearly 80,000 people, and the displacement of millions. "Where do these terrorists come from, and how are they settling without being stopped?" Hakim questioned.

He declared that operations are not a solution. "If peace cannot be restored, those responsible should resign," Hakim said, asserting that decisions for the province must be made by the Chief Minister.

Lawmakers demanded that the provincial government take the lead in resolving the security crisis and emphasized the need for comprehensive and accountable measures to ensure long-term peace.