Tribal Elders in North Waziristan Pledge Support to Pakistan Army Against ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’

Miranshah – Tribal elders in North Waziristan have announced their full support for the Pakistan Army in its campaign against Indian-sponsored militancy, specifically targeting what officials describe as “Fitna al-Khawarij” — a term used for extremist elements destabilizing the region.

According to Geo News, the declaration was made during a jirga (tribal assembly) held in Miranshah, organized with the support of the Pakistan Army.

During the gathering, tribal leaders expressed strong endorsement of the Army’s zero-tolerance policy aimed at restoring peace and eliminating militant threats. Participants also paid glowing tribute to the sacrifices made by security forces and martyrs in the fight against terrorism.

The elders pledged unwavering cooperation with the government and military in countering extremist elements, vowing to protect the hard-earned peace in the region.

KP Government to Form Peace Strategy
In a separate development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur addressed another jirga held at the CM House, emphasizing the role of tribal communities in shaping peace efforts.

“The purpose of this jirga is to engage local tribes in the process of peace restoration,” the chief minister stated.

Gandapur announced that a 20-member jirga representing the merged districts would soon draft a comprehensive peace strategy to be presented to both the provincial government and military leadership.

Rising Threat of Militancy
Pakistan has witnessed a notable resurgence in terrorist activity since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly affecting the border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

According to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), January 2025 saw a 42% increase in terrorist attacks compared to December 2024. Most incidents have targeted law enforcement and security forces, sparking concerns of a coordinated militant revival.

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The reaffirmation of support from tribal communities is seen as a crucial step in consolidating efforts to combat terrorism and maintain long-term stability in the region.