'Peace rallies' sweep Pakistan’s tribal districts amid political undertones

A growing wave of peace marches continues to sweep across Pakistan's tribal districts in its northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as residents take a united stand against terrorism and insecurity.

From tribal elders and political leaders to traders and ordinary citizens, communities are rallying to demand lasting peace from the state and government.

On Friday, large demonstrations were held in Khyber and South Waziristan districts.

South Waziristan demands security

Thousands of people, including representatives from local and national political parties, took to the streets of Rustam Bazaar in Wana, South Waziristan district, demanding peace, the reopening of a key border crossing, and more control over regional resources.

Rafiuddin, a leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, said incidents of abduction, bomb blasts and targeted killings have become a daily occurrence. "There's no electricity supply, and local mineral resources are being seized," he said. "This oppression can no longer be tolerated."

  Demonstrators carry a banner during a peace march in Wana, South Waziristan district, July 11, 2025.Nukta

Taj Wazir, a leader of the Aman March and the Awami National Party, blamed economic distress for the unrest. "When extortion and kidnappings have become rampant, how can peace be expected?" he questioned.

"It is the state's responsibility to ensure public safety — a responsibility it has utterly failed to fulfil."

Border closure sparks crisis

Zainatullah Wazir, a leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, said the people of Waziristan are facing economic strangulation due to the unjustified closure of the Angoor Adda border crossing.

"Shutting down commercial crossings fuels further unrest in an area already grappling with limited livelihood opportunities," he said, calling for the immediate reopening of the border.

Saifur Rehman, president of the South Waziristan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the closure has forced traders to shift their businesses to other districts and provinces.

"If the authorities have no intention of reopening the border, they should at least provide a reason. Otherwise, we will not remain silent — we will stage a sit-in and block all routes in protest," he warned.

Khyber protests forced displacement

Thousands of residents gathered in Bara Bazaar of Khyber district for a peace rally organized by the Bara Political Alliance, voicing concern over the deteriorating security situation and expressing solidarity with the people of Tirah Valley, where fresh reports of forced displacement have triggered alarm.

Haji Hazrat, who led a delegation from Tirah, said civilians were being forced to flee their homes once again. "We have witnessed repeated military operations in both Bara and Tirah," he said.

Speakers accused the government of reneging on commitments made during the merger of the tribal districts with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, criticizing the imposition of new taxes, rising unemployment and state indifference to worsening conditions.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf parliamentarian Haji Iqbal Afridi termed the government's recent moves — including the revival of the jirga system and formation of new committees — as "deeply troubling" and out of step with local needs.

A joint declaration called for an immediate end to forced evictions in Tirah and demanded the return of all displaced families. The participants warned of launching a long march to Islamabad if their demands were not met.

Violence shadows upcoming rallies

Peace marches are scheduled for Bajaur on July 13, and in Kurram and Mohmand districts on July 18.

On Thursday, ANP leader Maulana Khanzeb was gunned down by unidentified assailants in Bajaur, where he had been mobilizing support for the upcoming protest.