SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Residents of Azam Warsak, a remote area of Birmal tehsil in Lower South Waziristan district, on Friday launched a long march to protest the “worsening” law and order situation in the region.

The protesters, including tribal elders, youth, PTM members and political and social activists, marched on Wana, where they later staged a sit-in to press for their demands related to security and public safety.

The demonstration disrupted traffic flow in the area, prompting the police to take precautionary measures. Barbed wire was installed, while police personnel were placed on high alert to prevent any untoward incident.

The district police said the steps were taken purely in the interest of public safety amid growing tensions during the protest.

District admin promises to address their concerns

The sit-in lasted around three hours before the protesters’ representatives and the district administration held talks.

Lower South Waziristan deputy commissioner Musarrat Zaman and district police officer Mohammad Tahir Shah Wazir met protesters, who agreed to end the sit-in after being assured that their concerns would be addressed.

Sources said the protesters presented a list of 10 demands, and the administration assured them that issues falling in the domain of the district administration and police would be resolved within 10 days. Demands related to security forces will be taken up with authorities for action.

During the protest, concerns were voiced about the recurring incidents of bomb explosions, targeted killings and indiscriminate firing in Birmal tehsil, particularly in Azam Warsak area.

The participants said insecurity had created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents, badly hitting their life and economic activity.

Protesters noted that the situation had steadily deteriorated over the past year, leaving citizens feeling unsafe in their own homes.

The demonstrators demanded immediate and effective measures to restore peace in Birmal and Azam Warsak. They called for an end to the forced evacuation of civilian homes in the Kaza Panga area and demanded the immediate return and rehabilitation of families who had been displaced.

The protesters urged security forces to refrain from occupying civilian properties and stop indiscriminate firing and use of drones and quadcopters over populated areas, markets and agricultural land.

They also called for the removal of all security barriers on the Azam Warsak-Wana Road and Sholam Road, with protesters insisting that these routes should be reopened immediately for the people’s use.

The protesters said that all roads across Lower South Waziristan should be made secure to allow residents to travel freely without fear.

They demanded an end to the practice of detaining innocent individuals on mere suspicion and urged security institutions to ensure the protection of civilians alongside their own operational safety.

Hundreds of people participated in the protest, reflecting widespread public frustration.

Addressing the gathering, tribal elders Malik Gul Mohammad and Farmanullah, PTM leader Maulana Zainatullah, Jamaat-i-Islami district president Asadullah and Awami National Party leader Ismatullah presented the 10-point charter of demands to the federal and provincial governments.

They called for a blanket ban on tinted windows, public display of weapons and drug trafficking in all major and minor markets of Wana and Azam Warsak, without discrimination.

The speakers also demanded decisive action against target killings, bomb blasts, kidnappings for ransom and extortion, describing these crimes as major threats to regional stability.

They also called for the immediate withdrawal of the enforcement of Section 144 in the Ragzai area of Barmal tehsil, terming it an unnecessary restriction on the movement of law-abiding citizens.

The security situation in Birmal tehsil has remained volatile over the last year, with frequent incidents of militancy and violence reported. Residents have urged the government to take concrete and sustainable measures to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2025