BAJAUR: Residents of the areas hit by the military operation here on Monday staged a protest demonstration against the denial of relief goods to them.

A number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) belonging to various areas of the restive Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils attended the demonstration held at the Civil Colony Khar.

The participants said they were forced to live in relief camps, relatives’ homes and with local community members.

However, they alleged they had yet to receive relief goods.

Some protesters criticised the mechanism for distributing relief goods, including edible and non-edible items, alleging influential people were given special preference.

The protesters also complained about the slow paced registration of IDPs for the government’s financial package. They urged the district administration and other relevant authorities to ensure transparency in the relief goods distribution.

They ended their protest after assistant commissioner Dr Sadiq Ali assured them that relief goods would be provided in accordance with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority’s policy for IDPs once the registration process was completed.

The official said all-out efforts were being made to ensure relief goods reached the most deserving families.

He said the district administration was also working to ensure the early and dignified return of all IDPs to their homes.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2025