In various cities of KP, rallies and jirgas were held on Sunday to voice opposition to the government’s plan to launch Azm-i-Istehkam military operation against militants.
In Bara tehsil of Khyber district, scores of Shalobar youth activists took part in a motorcycle rally against the potential military offensive. Led by Abdul Wadud, president of Pakhtun Student Federation’s Khyber chapter, participants carried white flags and placards advocating for peace and rejecting the military operation.
The rally proceeded through Shalobar, Malakdinkhel, Kamarkhel, Akkakhel, Sipah, and Qambarkhel localities before converging at Bara Bazaar. Organizers cited a deteriorating law and order situation in Bara, marked by increased targeted killings.
They emphasized the adverse effects of past military operations on Khyber’s residents, with numerous families still enduring hardship due to militancy. They pledged to continue opposing any threat to peace that could justify a new military offensive.
In Bannu, the Qaumi Jirga gathered at Qazir Fazal Qadir Shaheed Park, urging proactive police measures to maintain regional peace. Participants, including MNA Maulana Syed Naseem Ali Shah, criticized prevailing lawlessness and insecurity, advocating for targeted, intelligence-based operations against militants instead of a large-scale military campaign.
Meanwhile, in Bajaur, a rally organized by Jamaat-i-Islami closed main roads as participants, led by JI district chief Sahibzada Haroon Rasheed and others, voiced strong opposition to further military actions in the region.
Elders of Salarzai tehsil reiterated their resistance to the planned military operation at a jirga, insisting on consultation with local lawmakers and elders. Similarly, the Talash Dushkhel Qaumi Jirga in Lower Dir vehemently opposed the proposed military operation, calling for effective border management to curb militant infiltration rather than resorting to military intervention.
Peace marches and gatherings across various districts emphasized the local population’s determination to preserve peace amid rising tensions. Leaders stressed the security forces’ responsibility to uphold peace and stability without resorting to measures that could disrupt civilian life.
