MIRANSHAH:
Persistent unrest in North Waziristan’s Shewa Tehsil has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, with numerous villages now completely abandoned and new 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 towards Bannu, Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Peshawar and other relatively safe districts.
Eyewitnesses describe a disturbing scene: locked house doors, eerily silent streets. A young local resident said: “I have never seen anything like this in my life. Entire villages have been emptied; only one or two people remain behind to look after livestock and empty houses.”
Shewa Tehsil was once among the relatively peaceful pockets of North Waziristan. Locals traditionally relied on agriculture, livestock raising and small businesses, and the area was known for its simplicity and tribal harmony. Even during major military operations after 2014, Shewa suffered less disruption than many neighboring regions and life returned to normal relatively quickly.
However, the situation has deteriorated dramatically over the past year. Residents cite a sharp rise in targeted killings and the activities of banned groups as the main factors pushing the area back into instability.
The head of a displaced family recounted the fear: “Every night before going to sleep we wondered if we would wake up safe in the morning. Children’s education has stopped, markets are closed and fear reigns everywhere.”
Women have been especially affected. One woman said: “When we left our homes we could only take the essentials; everything else was left behind. We don’t know when we will be able to return, 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, cutting connectivity between several villages, disrupting movement and increasing the sense of insecurity.
In response, Kabul Khel tribal elders and other tribal leaders held a jirga with security officials to discuss the worsening situation. The elders made it clear that people live in acute fear and uncertainty and that immediate action is essential.
A tribal leader stated after the jirga: “We have told the authorities in simple words: either restore peace or give us a clear plan so that we can protect our people.”
Security officials have ensured convening of a high-level jirga and formulation of a comprehensive strategy.
In an important development, local elders and those who have already abandoned their homes have announced their support for a possible operation against terrorists in the evacuated villages. However, they have stressed that the lives and property of civilians must be fully protected during any action and that concrete measures must be taken for the dignified return of displaced families.
One displaced youth said: “We want peace. If an operation is the only solution, we will not oppose it, but we must be given the opportunity to return to our homes with honor.”
