MIRANSHAH:
A powerful and unprecedented protest unfolded in North Waziristan tribal district on Friday as thousands of tribesmen took to the streets to oppose a potential military operation in the region. The protest reached its peak in Mir Ali, one of the area’s most important towns, where demonstrators offered Friday prayers in congregation on a two-kilometer stretch of the main highway, effectively shutting down commercial activity and sending a strong political message.
The protest, far more than a religious gathering, served as a peaceful but forceful public referendum against what locals see as government’s destructive policies. With shops closed and the slogan “Operation Not Accepted” resonating throughout the area, it marked a significant moment of political awareness, public unity, and resistance.
Leading the prayers and protest was Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) MNA Mufti Misbahuddin, who declared during his sermon: “This prayer is the nation’s peaceful rejection of any possible operation. We are standing for the protection of our homes, lands, markets, and children. No power can displace us again.” He added that tribal communities had established peace in the past and will not accept “devastation in the name of peace” again.
Mufti Baitullah, speaking on behalf of the Utmanzai tribal council, announced three key decisions:
If a military operation is launched in any village, the entire population will come out of their homes in protest.
Peaceful demonstrations will be held across the region, urging people not to vacate their houses.
Shops and homes will not be abandoned under any circumstances.
Traders from towns including Miranshah, Mir Ali, Khaddi, Harmuz, Hassu Khel, and Epi voiced their frustration, saying that damages from the 2014 Zarb-e-Azb operation have still not been compensated.
Haji Gul Muhammad, a local shopkeeper, said: “We rebuilt our shops on loans, restarted businesses from scratch, but every few months we hear of another operation. Our lives are stuck in uncertainty.” He recalled how women were forced to live for months in open fields, schools, and tent camps during the last displacement. “This time, if they come, we won’t leave. We’ll sit in front of them.”
After Zarb-e-Azb, over 7,500 shops in Miranshah and more than 800 in Mir Ali were completely destroyed. More than 2,000 homes suffered partial or complete damage, and commercial goods worth millions of rupees were lost to looting or fire.
Tribal elder Nisar Ali Khan revealed that they’ve been informed of preparations for a “clearance operation” in certain areas. “We will not stay silent this time,” he warned, pointing to past incidents of forced displacement, extrajudicial arrests, and human rights violations during military operations. “Today, the people of North Waziristan have told the world they are peacefulbut they will not offer further sacrifices. Their patience has run out.” He cautioned that if the government ignores the public’s voice, future tribal resistance may intensifynot just on the streets, but also within legal and political frameworks.
This mass protest comes amid a backdrop of rising violence in the region, including skirmishes between security forces and terrorists, roadside bombings, and multiple suicide attacks. Locals believe these incidents are being used as a pretext to launch a fresh military campaign.
