Authorities have decided to carry out an operation against militants in Bajaur and Khyber districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after peace talks between the Bajaur Amn Jirga and the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) failed, official sources confirmed on Tuesday.
According to government officials, the talks broke down after tribal elders demanded the complete expulsion of militants from their areas — a condition the TTP refused to accept.
Security reports indicate that around 300 militants are present in two locations of Tehsil Mamund in Bajaur, while more than 350 are based in Khyber district. Over 80% of these militants are said to be of Afghan origin.
Tehsil Mamund, home to over 300,000 residents, has already witnessed the displacement of more than 40,000 people to safer areas. Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir told Geo News that over 100 government buildings in Khar have been designated to accommodate displaced families. Additionally, a tent camp will be established at the Khar Sports Complex, with all basic facilities to be provided.
To ensure public safety, the district administration has enforced a curfew from 11am to 11pm on all main roads leading to Khar. In Mamund tehsil, a strict three-day curfew is in place from August 11 to August 14, covering 27 localities. Residents have been instructed to complete all outdoor activities by 10:30am and remain indoors during curfew hours. Authorities have warned that violators will be held responsible for any incidents.
The security situation in Bajaur has deteriorated in recent months. Earlier, security forces presented two options to local jirgas: either the militants must leave voluntarily, or residents must evacuate to allow a targeted military operation. Officials have rejected the possibility of further negotiations, stating that militants have used dialogue as a tactic to prepare for renewed attacks while hiding among civilians and engaging in criminal activities.
The decision comes amid a rise in militant violence across Pakistan. According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), June 2025 saw 78 terrorist attacks nationwide, killing at least 100 people — including 53 security personnel and 39 civilians — and injuring 189 others. In total, clashes and operations in June resulted in 175 fatalities, with security forces, militants, civilians, and local peace committee members among the dead.
