Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have launched a decisive push against militants entrenched in the Bajaur and Khyber districts, following the breakdown of negotiations with tribal elders.

Government insiders told reporters on Tuesday that the move comes after weeks of discussions between the Bajaur Amn Jirga and militant representatives collapsed. The elders had put forward three demands, the most pressing being the removal of all armed groups from the tribal belt — a demand that went unmet.

Militants in the Hundreds, Majority Said to Be Afghan Nationals

Security sources estimate roughly 300 fighters are operating in two pockets of Bajaur’s Mamund tehsil, with over 350 more in Khyber district. Officials say more than 80% of these fighters are believed to be Afghan nationals.

Mamund tehsil alone has a population exceeding 300,000, yet the situation has already forced more than 40,000 residents to leave their homes in recent days.

Relief Efforts Underway for Displaced Families

Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir said arrangements have been made to shelter those fleeing the conflict. Over 100 government buildings in Khar are being converted into temporary housing, with a tent village planned for the local sports complex. Authorities promise food, medical aid, and other necessities will be provided.

Curfews Enforced to Secure Operation

The district administration has imposed strict curfews to contain movement and maintain security. In Bajaur’s Mamund tehsil, a three-day curfew was declared in 27 localities from August 11 to August 14. Residents were instructed to finish daily activities by 10:30 a.m. and remain indoors until restrictions are lifted.

In Khar, all main roads leading to the district headquarters are closed from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day. Officials warned that anyone violating the curfew will bear responsibility for any resulting incidents.

Talks Seen as Delay Tactic by Militants

According to security officials, militant groups in the region have used past negotiations as a cover to regroup and plan attacks, embedding themselves within civilian areas. This time, authorities rejected any formal talks until fighters completely lay down their arms and surrender to the state.

Rising Violence Across KP and Balochistan

The Bajaur and Khyber operation comes amid a broader surge in militant violence across Pakistan since 2021. Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies shows 78 terrorist attacks in June alone, killing at least 100 people — including 53 security personnel and 39 civilians.

Violence and counter-operations in the same month claimed 175 lives in total, highlighting the scale of the ongoing security challenge in the country’s north and west.