KPK Apex committee: the bannu and surrounding areas military operation and people reactions

(Parts of Khyber, Bannu to be Evacuated for Action Against ‘Miscreants’
By Manzoor Ali )The article, published two days ago, has sparked widespread reactions among the patriotic residents of Bannu and the surrounding areas, home to Pashtun communities living on their ancestral lands. Many locals have expressed frustration and anger, with some criticizing their leaders as traitors and cowards. Social media has seen a flurry of negative comments, with claims that the situation is part of a so-called “dollar game” orchestrated by foreign interests to destabilize the Pashtun region. Critics allege this game aims to destroy the region’s peace, economic stability, political structure, and traditional way of life.

Militants have established numerous bases in Bannu and nearby areas, exerting control over local residents and plunging the region into chaos. Peace and stability have deteriorated, giving way to violence, including target killings and a rising sense of insecurity. To address this grave situation, the Apex Committee convened to make critical decisions and initiate decisive actions against the elements responsible for the unrest.

A high-level meeting was held in Peshawar, attended by senior army officers, political representatives, and civil authorities. The meeting aimed to strategize efforts to restore peace in the troubled regions. The meeting was chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and attended by key officials, including Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Omer Ahmad Bukhari, KPK Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam chudhary , , inspector general of police Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur and other senior civil and military servants.

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The reaction from the people of Bannu was prominently seen on social media and other platforms. They argued that a military operation alone is not the solution for de-Talibanization in the region but that demilitarization is also necessary. The people of Bannu have raised several questions on social media: What will be the effects of the operation on the region? Will the operation bring lasting peace and end Talibanization and terrorism? Will the state take responsibility for safeguarding lives and property? Can the state guarantee that terrorism will not return after the operation?

The committee has specifically mentioned areas like Jani Khel and Tirah, but they have not directly named settled areas of Bannu for military operations. Nevertheless, the people of Bannu are facing numerous problems, including target killings, bomb blasts, Taliban patrolling, and an unsafe environment even for the police. Terrorist attacks have occurred in highly secured areas such as Bannu Cantonment and the Bannu Police Line. Recently, six terrorists attacked the Police Line during a funeral being attended by military personnel, civilians, and local youth. Such incidents highlight how the Taliban have become a severe threat to the local population, disrupting their daily lives and creating a climate of fear and instability.

There are two sides to a military operation: positive and, unfortunately, negative. If the operation fails and does not bring any significant reduction in insurgency, the negative consequences will undoubtedly fall upon the local people. They will likely suffer from increased Talibanization and terrorism as a result of Taliban retaliation. The local population will bear the brunt of the side effects.

As we know, various military operations have been conducted over the past two decades. Were these operations truly successful in establishing peace, or did they primarily result in the destruction of mass markets and businesses? The people of Jani Khel and other tribal areas have already endured immense suffering due to past military interventions. This is why they now oppose any further military action in their regions.

The reaction from the people of Jani Khel has been circulating on social media. They gathered in the form of a demonstration to condemn the military operation. An elder, Dada Gulli from Amal Khel, delivered a speech in English to the tribespeople who had gathered to oppose military intervention in their region. In his speech, he emphasized the power of unity, referencing the famous proverb, “Union is strength.” He urged all of Jani Khel to unite as one force, stand under a single umbrella, and fight together.

He claimed that three key groups are responsible for terrorism and insurgency in their region: the Pakistan Army, the Taliban, and a third entity providing support to both, allegedly the ISI. He raised a critical question, asking, “Who trained the Taliban and settled them here to create instability and carry out terror activities?”

He sent a message to the Pakistan Army, stating, “One day you will be disowned and fail to fight against terrorism, and your unity will crumble.” He also warned the people of Jani Khel, saying, “You will be evacuated from this area and forced to migrate to settled areas in Bannu or elsewhere, as we experienced a decade ago. We will leave behind our properties, animals, homes, and shelters, all to be taken over by the Pakistan Army.”

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