Residents evacuate Datta Khel, North Waziristan. EXPRESS
Families in Datta Khel tehsil, North Waziristan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, are fleeing their homes in panic amid fears of an imminent large-scale security operation, leaving behind normal life as roads remain sealed and essential supplies dwindle.
According to local sources, migration from several towns to safer areas has continued day and night for the past week. Residents say several routes into and out of Datta Khel have been closed for several days, severely disrupting daily life. Markets are almost completely closed, while shortages of food, medicine and other essential items have begun to emerge.
The locals said The express PAkGazette that under the cover of night, women, children and the elderly were forced to leave their homes despite the intense heat. Many women have been seen standing in the open back of vehicles, while several families walk on foot to unknown destinations.
Read: Waziristan tehsil empties as riots spark exodus
“People are terrified. Families were transported in vehicles all night. Many did not even have time to pack their belongings,” said one resident.
Another resident highlighted the plight of the most vulnerable. “The elderly and patients suffer the most. Many elderly people can barely walk, but are still forced to leave. Children are terrified and women are extremely distressed.”
Residents have questioned why civilians are the most affected by each security operation despite the strong presence of security forces in the area. A local trader said: “The burden of every conflict and every operation falls on the poor. People are repeatedly left homeless and forced to rebuild their lives from scratch.”
A tribal elder criticized the absence of elected representatives. “Our MNAs and AMPs are nowhere to be seen in this time of difficulties. They only appear when they need votes.” He noted that the people of Datta Khel had already been displaced several times due to terrorism and military operations, which had severely affected their economic and mental well-being.
The affected families say that no formal relief camps, medical facilities or food arrangements have been established for them so far. Many take shelter outdoors or with family members.
Government sources say intelligence reports about terrorist presence in parts of Datta Khel have prompted tighter security measures. Officials maintain that these precautionary measures are necessary to protect citizens and make possible anti-terrorist operations effective.
Read also: Tribal chief shot dead in Waziristan
However, locals argue that the repeated displacements have only increased anxiety and eroded trust. Residents say the people of Waziristan have endured decades of unrest, conflict and instability, and now want nothing more than peace, dignity and a stable life.
According to sources, the exodus from Datta Khel and its surrounding areas continues and the situation remains tense. The affected people have called on the government to immediately provide transportation, food, clean water, medical facilities and financial assistance.
