MIRANSHAH: Journalists affiliated with North Waziristan’s Press Club have voiced deep concerns over the ongoing suspension of internet services in the region, describing it as a significant impediment to their professional responsibilities and a broader constraint on the free flow of information. They have called for the immediate restoration of media communication facilities while simultaneously expressing their continued faith in Pakistan’s state institutions and commitment to national integrity.
At a gathering marked by measured yet firm resolve, senior correspondents condemned the restrictions that have hampered their ability to report accurately and in a timely manner. They emphasized that their protest is both peaceful and principled, guided entirely by the national interest rather than any partisan agenda. “Even during the most critical periods, such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb, the media was never entirely silenced,” a senior journalist explained. “We understand security challenges, but we expect responsible engagement and dialogue—not prolonged digital isolation that harms both journalists and citizens.”
The suspension of internet services, initially justified as a security precaution following recent militant attacks, has had unintended consequences on daily life, local business, education, healthcare coordination, and above all, the work of independent journalists who rely on connectivity to verify, report, and disseminate news. The journalists argue that while they fully support necessary security measures, blanket blackouts undermine transparency and public trust, inadvertently fueling rumor-mongering and misinformation.
The Union of Journalists for North Waziristan has announced its intention to boycott official government activities, press conferences, and ceremonial events until their demand for the restoration of internet services is met. However, they were quick to clarify that this boycott should not be interpreted as an act of defiance against the state or its security imperatives. Rather, they framed their protest as a democratic appeal for balance between national security and constitutional freedoms, underscoring that an informed public is itself a bulwark against extremism and fear.
Leaders of the Press Club have also reached out to local administrators, security officials, and tribal elders to mediate and find a workable solution that addresses both security concerns and the essential need for communication. They expressed optimism that state institutions, which they have consistently supported in the fight against militancy, would recognize the legitimacy of their concerns and respond constructively.
Observers note that the measured tone of the journalists’ protest reflects the region’s complex reality: a population exhausted by decades of conflict but determined to support stability without sacrificing basic freedoms. As North Waziristan continues its journey toward peace and reconstruction, local media voices argue that responsible, independent journalism must be seen as a partner—not an adversary—in countering extremism, building trust in institutions, and ensuring that the sacrifices of the past were not in vain.
