Fears of new military action spark protests in Pakistan’s tribal belt

Amid rising insecurity in Pakistan’s tribal belt, residents have taken to the streets across multiple districts, demanding peace and rejecting any plans for a renewed military operation.

From South and North Waziristan to Kurram and Mohmand, thousands participated in coordinated peace marches -- known as Aman Pasoon -- calling for non-military solutions to restore stability in the region.

Led by tribal elders, political leaders, lawyers, civil society members, and ordinary citizens, the protests underscored growing frustration with continued violence, displacement, and the perception that local voices are being ignored in national security decisions.

Military operation rejected

In a striking display of defiance, thousands rallied in Sadda, Kurram district, waving white flags and chanting for peace.

Speaking at the gathering, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Khawaja Naheed condemned the recurring violence and mass displacements. “We will not migrate, nor will we abandon our homeland,” he declared. “Peace is our fundamental right, and it is the state's duty to ensure it.”

Naheed also accused the authorities of targeting peace advocates. “They try to silence us, but we will not back down,” he said. “The resources are ours, yet others reap the benefits — why must Pashtuns always bear the cost?”

In North Waziristan, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) and the All Parties Alliance organized a major rally, firmly rejecting any military operations or forced displacements under state-backed plans. The Aman Pasoon gathering vowed resistance against all such efforts, declaring: “We will not abandon Waziristan.”

Mufti Baitullah, leading the protest, condemned curfews, checkpoints, drone strikes, and enforced disappearances as tools of repression. He announced the launch of a peaceful resistance movement and warned: “We will not vacate even a single home. Either restore Waziristan to what it was — or prepare to turn it into a graveyard, but we will not abandon our land.”

Movement towards capital city

Addressing a rally in Mohmand district, local leader and Insaf Youth Wing Peshawar Region President Sajjad Khan described the conflict as a “foreign war imposed on the Pashtun people.”

“For years, we’ve been dragged into a conflict where some are called Mujahideen, others terrorists. We reject this dollar-driven war — and will continue to reject it,” Khan stated.

He alleged that under the guise of counterterrorism, the real objective is to seize control of the tribal region’s rich mineral resources. “If our demands for peace and justice are not met, we will take our movement to the capital,” he warned, hinting at a broader protest campaign.

South Waziristan’s sit-in ended

In South Waziristan, a week-long sit-in led by the United Political Peace Pasoon concluded peacefully following successful negotiations with the district administration.

Tribal elders presented three main demands:

1. Reopening the Angoor Adda Pak-Afghan crossing to revive trade and employment
2. Granting rightful tribal control over natural resources, including mineral benefits
3. Immediate restoration of law and order

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nasir Khan assured the protesters that all agreed points would be implemented without delay.

At the conclusion of the sit-in, Member of National Assembly Zubair Wazir issued a warning: “The people will not tolerate further injustice -- we will return to the streets if promises are broken.”

Government calls APC

In response to the growing unrest, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur announced that an All Parties Conference (APC) will be held next week to address the deteriorating law and order situation.

Gandapur said representatives from all political parties will be invited to develop a joint strategy for long-term peace. “A collaborative roadmap is essential to finding a sustainable solution to this crisis,” he said.

He added that the provincial government had successfully helped restore peace in Kurram district, and similar progress could be made elsewhere. “These outcomes can be replicated through consultations with local jirgas and tribal elders,” he noted.