NORTH WAZIRISTAN: In a powerful display of peace restoration, tribal elders of the Dawar and Wazir communities gathered in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, on Friday to hold a grand Jirga. The meeting aimed to formulate a collective response to the worsening security situation and growing concerns about a potential military operation in the area.
The Jirga was announced following a Thursday meeting of tribal elders, where Mufti Baitullah, the Jirga spokesperson, urged residents to unite. He invited the local population to participate in the session held after Friday prayers at 2:30 PM to voice concerns and draft a unified strategy.
Tribal leaders stressed the importance of dialogue over confrontation and emphasized the need for a formal platform to engage with government officials. According to Mufti Baitullah, the objective is to reduce tensions and avoid further bloodshed.
The call for peace in Mir Ali comes amid similar developments in other tribal regions. In Tirah Valley of Khyber District — a conflict-hit area near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border — a peace jirga was recently held in the Bagh area of Maidan. Locals gathered peacefully to oppose further displacement, stating they had already left their homes and businesses multiple times due to conflict. They demanded security, peace, and that state institutions recognize their hardships and support their right to remain on ancestral lands.
Aftermath of a Deadly Attack Fuels on Waziristan Anxiety
This major tribal gathering in Waziristan comes in the wake of a deadly suicide attack earlier this week. On the Mirali-Miramshah Road in the Khadi area, a convoy of security personnel was targeted, resulting in the martyrdom of 13 soldiers. The incident has heightened fears of a new wave of conflict.
Locals say that despite years of military operations, stability remains fragile. Many believe another operation will lead to more displacement, unrest, and economic hardship for the residents.
In response to the Jirga, a representative delegation is expected to meet with government authorities soon. The delegation will present the elders’ demands, urging the state to prioritize negotiation and development over military engagement.
The Waziristan leadership insists that any solution must involve consultation with the local population, respecting their customs and concerns. They called on both the government and militants to de-escalate and avoid actions that could provoke a new round of violence.
Tribal elders also warned that continued instability could push the youth toward militancy again. They stressed that peace and justice must go hand in hand.
In conclusion, the gathering signals a rare moment of unity and resolve among tribal leaders. Their message is clear — the region needs dialogue, development, and above all, peace restoration.
