Pakistan launches counter-terrorism operation in Bajaur amid curfew and mass evacuations

Pakistan has launched a targeted counter-terrorism operation in its northwestern Bajaur district, near the Afghan border, after peace talks with militants collapsed, local authorities confirmed Monday.

The military action follows the imposition of a sweeping 12-hour curfew on key roads connecting towns and villages to markets and hospitals, and a separate three-day lockdown in 27 villages. Officials say the restrictions aim to protect civilians and clear the way for security forces to sweep suspected militant hideouts.

Bajaur, part of Pakistan’s former tribal belt, has long been a stronghold for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other armed groups. Local lawmakers say more than 18,000 families could be displaced by the operation, with more than half already leaving their homes for temporary camps set up in schools and colleges.

A volunteer distributes food among internally displaced persons.Courtesy: Journalist/Zahid Jan

Hamid ur Rehman, a member of parliament from the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), told Nukta that negotiations failed after militants rejected a peace jirga’s proposals. “If one party shows aggression and attacks, the other has the right to retaliate in self-defense,” he said.

Another lawmaker from the region, Anwar Zeb Khan, backed the operation but warned against civilian casualties. “If we don’t support targeted action, how can we eliminate militants? However, civilian losses in the name of collateral damage are unbearable,” he said.

'TTP not acting independently'

Talking to Nukta earlier, counterterrorism expert Shamim Shahid said tribal elders had asked the TTP to leave the area and refrain from carrying out terrorist attacks there.

He said the elders told the militant group that its presence was prompting security operations, and that locals were demanding the militants leave and return to Afghanistan, ending their violent activities.

After talks’ failure, locals of Loe Mamund have stated relocating due to the prospect of military operation.Courtesy: Local residents

According to Shahid, the TTP rejected these demands, saying they were not willing to return. However, the group said it would not attack if security forces refrained from targeting them.

A similar operation in late July in Bajaur’s Mamund sub-district left three civilians dead and 11 wounded, sparking resistance from locals and triggering temporary talks with the TTP. The 10-day ceasefire broke down after seven rounds of negotiations.

Security officials have told provincial leaders that militants remain active in roughly 20% of Bajaur, with an estimated 60% believed to be Afghan nationals using the area to regroup and cross into other districts.

With fresh fighting looming, many residents are fleeing. “Many people have already left the area, and we too are looking for a rented house. We will leave shortly because protecting our lives comes first,” said Amjad, a resident of Loe Mamund.