SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Deputy Commissioner of Lower South Waziristan district Musarrat Zaman on Wednesday assured political leaders of phased relief, strengthened security arrangements and swift revival of educational facilities.

The development came during a jirga with the Muttahida Siyasi Aman Pasoon (joint political peace alliance) at the DC’s office in Wana.

The meeting centred on key issues, including civilian losses in the recent military operations in Azam Warsak, Karmazi Stop and Khangai areas, incidents of indiscriminate firing, the recovery of kidnapped school principal Rahmatullah, illegal logging, development at Angoor Adda border terminal, and the planned return of Afghan refugees.

Leaders of the political alliance maintained that ensuring peace was the constitutional responsibility of the state and demanded urgent and practical steps to ease the hardships of local communities.

DC Zaman emphasised that peace and security could not be outsourced to non-state actors.

He said that the administration and security forces were jointly executing a strategy for stability in the district.

The DC said compensation had already been disbursed for damages up to June and assured that families affected by subsequent incidents, whether linked to terrorism or natural disasters, would also receive financial relief. He directed security forces to avoid unprovoked firing and helicopter strikes at private farmland and said innocent detainees would be freed soon.

Mr Zaman said a strict ban on illegal logging was in force and negligence would not be tolerated.

He said that police efforts to rescue Principal Rahmatullah were under way, with his safety being the top priority.

About the return of Afghan refugees, the deputy commissioner described repatriation as both a constitutional and Islamic obligation and promised the maximum facilities to ensure a dignified process.

Regarding Angoor Adda, he said work on the terminal was advancing rapidly, with steps being taken to build consensus among locals before reopening the border point.

Highlighting education as a central priority, DC Musarrat Zaman directed owners of all private schools in Birmal tehsil to immediately reopen their institutions.

He announced that security guarantees would be provided in coordination with relevant departments, alongside a comprehensive programme to restore academic activities across the region.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2025