Protests took place in Pakistan’s Swat region on Friday in protest against government military plans, with protesters calling for an end to planned counter-terrorism operations in the northwest.
The protest, organized by Urasi Passong (Popular Revolution) and the Orkazai Peace Movement, saw thousands of civilians, including political activists, human rights activists and students, march between Kwazahera and Kabal to denounce the military’s plans. Participants carried white flags and placards that read “We want peace” and “We hate government terror.” Protesters chanted “Chaos, we don’t accept” and “Bomb, we don’t accept,” referring to the proposed anti-terrorist military operation known as “Azmi-Istekam.”
The military plan in question was approved by the Pakistani government in June, which said it was aimed at combating militant violence and terrorism in the region. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s office also said it was not a full-scale military operation that would result in the displacement of civilians.
However, residents in the area have long opposed the government’s military plans, as they believe such operations have caused disruption to people and businesses in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Plans in the area have not yet begun, so it is unclear what impact such rallies will have, but on July 5, the Pakistani military reiterated its support for the operations, saying they are aimed at “counter-terrorism and growth.”
