Pakistan has decided to launch a Bajaur Operation and a parallel crackdown in Khyber district to eliminate terrorists hiding in these tribal areas. Official sources confirmed the move on Tuesday, saying it follows the collapse of talks between militants and the Bajaur Amn Jirga.
During negotiations, tribal elders presented three key demands. The most important was the complete expulsion of armed militants from Bajaur. Government sources estimate around 300 terrorists are currently active in two areas of Tehsil Mamund in Bajaur. Another 350 are said to be operating in Khyber district.
Tehsil Mamund has a population of over 300,000. More than 40,000 residents have already fled the area due to the deteriorating security situation. Officials revealed that over 80% of the terrorists in Bajaur and Khyber are Afghan nationals.
Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir said arrangements have been completed to shelter displaced families. More than 100 government buildings in Khar will be used as temporary housing. “A tent camp will also be set up in the Sports Complex of Khar,” he said. All basic facilities will be provided to the displaced people.
The district administration has enforced a daily curfew from 11 am to 11 pm on all main routes leading to Khar. In Mamund tehsil, a three-day curfew has been imposed in 27 localities, starting 11 am on August 11 until 11 am on August 14. Residents have been asked to finish their outdoor activities by 10:30 am and remain indoors during curfew hours. Authorities warned that violators will be held responsible for any untoward incident.
Security forces have offered tribal jirgas in Bajaur two main options to deal with the khawarij — the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The first demands the immediate exit of terrorists from Bajaur. The second involves a mass evacuation of tribes to allow a decisive Bajaur Operation to wipe out the militants. Officials have rejected any direct talks with the terrorists or their facilitators until they fully surrender to the state.
Security sources say the militants are using peace talks as a cover to prepare for further attacks. They are living among civilians in Bajaur while carrying out terrorist and criminal activities.
This decision comes amid a sharp rise in terror incidents since 2021, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. According to a Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) report, June alone saw 78 terrorist attacks across the country, killing at least 100 people. These included 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two members of local peace committees. Another 189 people were injured, most of them security personnel. In total, 175 people lost their lives in June due to violence and counterterrorism operations.
The launch of the Bajaur Operation signals a major shift in Pakistan’s fight against militancy. By targeting terrorist strongholds, authorities aim to restore peace and stability to one of the most affected regions of the country.