Jirga raises alarm over worsening security in South Waziristan

SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A peace jirga held in Wana on Wednesday voiced concern over what participants described as a growing wave of insecurity in Lower South Waziristan, including kidnappings for ransom, targeted killings, bomb blasts and other violent incidents.

The gathering took place at Rustam Bazaar and brought together local political leaders, tribal elders, civil society members, religious scholars, youth representatives, social activists and people from different schools of thought. Speakers said the district had seen a steady deterioration in security over the past one and a half years, leaving residents increasingly worried about their safety.

Participants said the worsening situation had created fear and uncertainty among people in Wana and nearby areas. They said the continuing breakdown in law and order had undermined public confidence and disrupted daily life across the district.

Economic and social impact highlighted

Speakers at the jirga said the consequences of insecurity were extending beyond public safety and were also hurting the region’s economy and commercial activity. According to participants, traders, labourers, students and other residents were finding it harder to carry out routine activities under the current conditions.

They said business activity had dropped sharply, while unemployment was rising because investors and entrepreneurs were hesitant to start or continue economic ventures in an unstable environment. Participants also said repeated incidents of violence were putting additional pressure on local communities.

The jirga noted that prolonged instability was affecting education, social development and the future of young people. Participants said parents were increasingly concerned about the safety and schooling of their children, while students were often facing difficulties in travelling to educational institutions.

Calls for a coordinated response

Speakers said lasting peace was essential for development, prosperity and broader social progress in the district. They stressed that economic growth, educational advancement and public well-being were not possible without durable peace, and urged all stakeholders to work together to meet the region’s challenges.

During the gathering, several proposals for promoting peace and long-term stability were presented. Participants agreed that wider public consultation was necessary to build consensus and strengthen community involvement in peace efforts.

They proposed forming delegations made up of tribal elders, religious leaders, political representatives and youth activists to visit different localities and consult residents directly. Participants said the purpose would be to hear public concerns, gather recommendations and develop a broader peace strategy through collective decision-making.

The jirga also expressed concern over the number of security-related incidents reported over the past year, saying they had deepened the sense of insecurity among residents. Participants said protecting the lives and property of citizens was a basic responsibility of the state and called on the relevant authorities to fulfil their constitutional obligations effectively.

The gathering urged the federal government, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, security forces and law enforcement agencies to adopt an effective and comprehensive plan for durable peace in Lower South Waziristan. Participants said the people of the area could no longer endure continued violence, bloodshed and uncertainty, and called for decisive action against those involved in destabilising the district, along with stronger measures for civilian protection.

At the conclusion of the jirga, participants reaffirmed their commitment to peace, social harmony and unity among all sections of society. They also expressed hope that the government, district administration, police and other relevant institutions would take local concerns seriously and implement practical steps to restore stability.

Among those who addressed the jirga were MNA Zubair Wazir, MPA Ajab Gul Wazir, tribal elders, religious scholars, and political and social figures. Speakers called for urgent, sincere and effective measures to address the security challenges facing Lower South Waziristan and to create an environment supportive of development and prosperity.