Tribal jirga in northwest Pakistan rejects possible military operation amid surge in violence

A tribal jirga -- a traditional assembly of elders -- in Pakistan’s North Waziristan district has strongly opposed any planned military operation in the region.

The protest comes amid growing speculation that the military may launch targeted action following a deadly wave of suicide bombings and rising militant activity near the Afghan border.

Held in Mir Ali, a town in North Waziristan tehsil, the jirga brought together leaders from major local tribes, including the Wazir, Dawar, and Uthmanzai.

In a rare show of unanimity, the elders warned that any military operation would be met with resistance, vowing not to vacate their homes under any circumstances.

A jirga is a centuries-old tribal dispute resolution mechanism common in parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It plays a vital role in local governance, conflict mediation, and building community consensus.

“We will not flee our land,” say elders

Speaking at the jirga, Mufti Baitullah, a tribal leader, said: “This is our land. We will not allow any military operation here. Anyone who chooses to flee will be deemed a traitor and a coward.”

He claimed that the army intends to begin operations in Mir Ali, with plans to gradually expand to Miranshah, Razmak, and other parts of the district.

“We may pause our movement briefly to assess the situation,” Baitullah added, “but we will come out in full force once our leaders call for resistance.”

Local leaders warn of peaceful resistance

Ahmad Uddin, a Jirga leader and representative of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), told Nukta that any such operation must ensure civilian protection:

“We will not leave our homes, nor will we accept any harm under the pretext of collateral damage. If forced to evacuate, we will begin peaceful resistance — we are prepared to die, but not to abandon our houses.”

Eid Rehman, a social activist and jirga member, echoed these concerns in comments to Nukta:

“What was achieved through previous operations?” he asked, referencing Operation Zarb-e-Azb launched in 2014. “Safeguarding civilians is the state’s responsibility -- not displacing them.”

He added that the Jirga has resolved to stage sit-ins and mobilize peaceful protest if any new operation is launched.

Escalating violence in North Waziristan

The jirga’s declaration comes days after two suicide attacks on June 28 targeted security forces in North Waziristan, killing 13 soldiers and injuring more than 20 others, including four civilians.

The attacks occurred despite a curfew and led to the closure of the Ghulam Khan border crossing with Afghanistan, imposition of a 30-day nighttime curfew, and partial suspension of cellular services—moves widely seen as precursors to a military response.

North Waziristan has long served as a base for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has intensified attacks in recent months. According to the military’s media wing, 30 militants were killed in the past two days in operations across the region, with large quantities of weapons and explosives recovered.

A biannual report by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police paints a grim picture: 860 people, including both civilians and security personnel, were killed or wounded in terrorist incidents across the province. North Waziristan ranked second in casualties after Bannu, reporting 155 and 181 victims, respectively.