Mir Ali District, May 25 — Residents of Mir Ali in North Waziristan have entered the seventh consecutive day of their sit-in protest, demanding justice after a suspected drone strike killed four children and injured five others in Hurmuz village on May 19. Protesters blame state forces for the attack, although the military has denied any involvement.
Despite several negotiation rounds between tribal elders and police officials, talks have failed to produce results. Protest organizers have issued a final warning: if authorities do not meet their demands by Sunday evening, they will begin a long march toward Islamabad on May 26.
Military Denies Involvement, Blames TTP
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has rejected accusations against Pakistan’s security forces, instead pointing to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as the perpetrators. The ISPR referred to the group as “Indian-sponsored Fitnah Al Khwarij” and accused it of orchestrating the attack. It also criticized those spreading disinformation, claiming they aim to sabotage counterterrorism operations.
The ISPR emphasized the military’s commitment to justice and confirmed that authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident.
Protesters Announce March Route and Strategy
Protest leaders have laid out the long march plan, which will start from Mir Ali and pass through Bannu, Kohat, and Karak, gathering supporters along the way. They plan to stop overnight in Peshawar and resume their journey through Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, and Swabi before reaching Islamabad.
In the capital, protesters aim to hold a peaceful demonstration in front of government offices. They are calling for a judicial inquiry into the drone strike, justice and compensation for the affected families, and an end to drone operations in their region.
Locals Demand Restoration of Connectivity
Meanwhile, tribal elders have condemned the ongoing internet and mobile service blockade in Mir Ali. They threatened to cut off connectivity to the local cantonment if authorities fail to restore services to the broader area by Sunday evening.
The sit-in committee framed the long march as a symbol of peaceful resistance against state injustice. They expressed hope that their movement would awaken the national conscience and reaffirmed their commitment to nonviolent protest. The committee also warned the government that continued silence would only fuel public anger.
As momentum builds around the Mir Ali protest, the federal government faces growing pressure to respond to this wave of grassroots activism.
