SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: The open display of firearms and the free movement of armed men in Rustam Bazaar, Wana, an important commercial hub of Lower South Waziristan, have reportedly become a daily norm, residents alleged.

They said police and other law enforcement agencies were mere spectators.

According to locals, broad daylight gun displays, the unhindered movement of vehicles with tinted windows, suspicious activities, and other illegal practices have become routine, yet authorities appear reluctant to intervene.

Speaking to Dawn on Wednesday, locals accused the police of focusing more on pressuring poor citizens and unnecessarily interfering in petty local disputes, while influential and armed individuals enjoyed complete impunity. They said this environment had created a growing sense of insecurity and fear among the public.

Civic groups claimed that police presence was now confined to the four walls of the police stations, with no real enforcement visible in the marketplace. They alleged that official negligence was encouraging illegal activities, severely undermining peace and order in the bazaar.

They urged authorities to immediately declare Rustam Bazaar a weapon-free zone, assign police an active and effective role, and ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.

Meanwhile, sources told Dawn that no one was allowed to roam Rustam Bazaar openly carrying weapons, and that strict measures would be implemented soon to curb the practice.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2025