Waziristan tehsil empties as unrest sparks exodus

Persistent unrest in North Waziristan's Shewa Tehsil has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, with numerous villages now completely abandoned and fresh waves of displacement accelerating from surrounding areas. Local sources report that after residents of Drozanda, Alam Khel, Malu Khel and Anar Khel fled, families from nearby villages are rapidly moving toward Bannu, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar and other relatively secure districts. Eyewitnesses describe a haunting scene: doors of homes bolted shut, streets eerily silent. A young local resident said, "In all my life I have never seen such a sight. Entire villages have emptied out; only one or two people remain behind to look after livestock and empty houses." Shewa Tehsil was once counted among the relatively peaceful pockets of North Waziristan. Locals traditionally relied on agriculture, livestock rearing and small businesses, and the area was known for its simplicity and tribal harmony. Even during the major military operations after 2014, Shewa suffered less disruption than many neighbouring regions and life returned to normal relatively quickly. However, the situation has deteriorated sharply over the past year. Residents cite a sharp rise in targeted killings and activities by banned outfits as the main factors pushing the area back into instability. The head of one displaced family recounted the fear: "Every night before sleeping we wondered whether we would wake up safe in the morning. Children's education has stopped, markets are closed, and fear rules everywhere." Women have been particularly hard hit. One woman said, "When we left our homes we could only carry essentials; everything else was left behind. We don't know when, or if, we will be able to return." The destruction of a key bridge over the Kurram River by an explosion has further worsened the crisis, severing connectivity between several villages, disrupting movement and heightening the sense of insecurity. In response, elders of the Kabul Khel tribe and other tribal leaders held a jirga with security officials to discuss the worsening situation. The elders made it clear that people are living in acute fear and uncertainty, and immediate steps are essential. A tribal leader stated after the jirga: "We have told the authorities in plain words, either restore peace or give us a clear plan so we can protect our people." Security officials have assured the convening of a high-level jirga and the formulation of a comprehensive strategy. As a significant development, local elders and those who have already left their homes have announced support for a possible operation against terrorists in the vacated villages. They have, however, stressed that civilian lives and property must be fully protected during any action and that concrete measures should be taken for the dignified return of displaced families. A displaced young man said, "We want peace. If an operation is the only solution, we will not object, but we must be given the opportunity to return to our homes with honour."