LOWER DIR: A jirga convened in Balambat on Thursday brought together political and community elders of Lower Dir and top district officials, reaffirming mutual cooperation in maintaining peace and countering anti-state elements.

The jirga was attended by the deputy commissioner Lower Dir, Muhammad Arif Khan, commandant Dir task force, the district police officer, Abdul Salam Khalid, along with additional deputy commissioners Bashir Khan and Gohar Ali, assistant commissioners Zaid Safi and Baqar Ali, and a large number of political leaders, religious scholars, lawyers, and notables from across the district.

Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner thanked the elders for their participation and emphasised the administration’s commitment to strengthening public trust and resolving misunderstandings between the state institutions and local populace.

He assured the gathering that the overall law and order situation in Lower Dir remained under control and that no full-scale military operation was planned. However, he clarified that intelligence-based targeted operations would be carried out in the areas where the presence of militants was confirmed, only in consultation with the local elders.

The DC expressed concern over the ongoing social media propaganda by anti-state elements, which, he said, was aimed at discrediting the armed forces and state institutions. “Fake videos and disinformation campaigns are being used to sow distrust and mislead the public,” he warned. “It is collective responsibility of the community to stand firm against such narratives,” he added.

He urged the public to identify and report suspicious activities in their areas and encouraged relatives of the wanted individuals to persuade them to surrender. “The state has tightened its grip on those involved in terrorism,” he added, noting that profiling of suspected individuals was underway.

The district officials praised the unwavering support of Lower Dir’s residents during past security operations, especially in resisting external threats and terrorism. “With public support, the armed forces will bring all enemies and their facilitators to justice,” said the commandant Dir task force.

The participants welcomed the government’s assurance of transparency and community consultation in all future security matters.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025