SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Participants of a tribal jirga expressed grave concern over deteriorating law and order situation in Lower South Waziristan and demanded immediate measures to restore peace and public security in the volatile region.

The jirga, held at Rustam Bazaar in Wana the other day, was convened amid growing public concern over surge in incidents of kidnapping for ransom, targeted killings, bomb blasts and other violent activities that have unsettled the region over the past several months.

The jirga was participated by tribal elders, political leaders, religious scholars, civil society representatives, social activists, youth and a large number of local residents.

Addressing the gathering, speakers said that security situation in Lower South Waziristan had steadily worsened during the last one and a half years, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among local residents. They said people no longer felt safe in their homes, markets and public places, while daily life had been severely disrupted by persistent insecurity.

Traders observe shutter-down strike

The participants emphasised that maintaining law and order and protecting citizens were constitutional and legal responsibilities of the state. They urged the federal and provincial governments, as well as security forces, district administration and police to take immediate, effective and practical measures to ensure the safety of residents and restore lasting peace in the region.

Speakers maintained that protection of life and property was fundamental duty of the government and that any negligence in fulfilling this responsibility was unacceptable. They called upon the authorities to adopt a comprehensive strategy to address the growing security challenges facing the region.

The peace jirga also received strong support from local business community. Traders and shopkeepers observed a complete shutter-down strike in Rustam Bazaar in solidarity with the gathering. According to local representatives, nearly 9,000 shops remained closed throughout the day.

Business leaders said the worsening security situation had adversely affected commercial activities across the district. They noted that trade had declined significantly, while investor confidence had weakened due to continued uncertainty and instability.

Participants observed that insecurity had not only affected economic activity but had also disrupted educational and social life. Students and parents complained that security concerns were creating obstacles to academic activities and making access to educational institutions increasingly difficult.

The jirga participants called upon the federal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments and security institutions to take immediate, serious and practical steps to improve the law and order situation in Lower South Waziristan.

At the conclusion of the gathering, participants unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming their commitment to peace, stability and development.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026