SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A jirga held in Shaktoi area here on Tuesday demanded an end to alleged quadcopter strikes on residential areas and repeated imposition of curfew in the region.

The All Political Alliance, Upper South Waziristan, organised the jirga.

Mehsud tribal elders, ulema, political and social figures attended the jirga.

The jirga passed a resolution, demanding an end to mortar firing and quadcopter strikes in populated areas, which put people’s lives and property at risk.

The resolution called upon the authorities to ensure that residents were not exposed to unnecessary risks. It demanded coordination between authorities and people to address public issues.

The participants called for relaxing the curfew imposed repeatedly in the area. They said that arrangements should be made to facilitate the movement of patients, elderly people and those facing medical or other emergencies during curfew hours.

The participants also highlighted difficulties residents faced at security checkpoints. They claimed some checkpoints closed before evening, inconveniencing people travelling between different areas. They demanded that checkpoints remain open for appropriate hours to facilitate residents’ smooth movement.

The jirga also discussed the installation of speed-breakers at checkpoints. Participants said three speed-breakers at a single location created difficulties for patients, elderly people and other travellers.

They demanded that speed-breakers be installed at appropriate distances to facilitate smooth traffic movement. They also called for suitable modifications to safety walls installed at checkpoints, particularly to facilitate the passage of large vehicles.

Another issue raised during the jirga was poor mobile phone and internet services in Shaktoi. The participants said the residents were still deprived of basic communication facilities in the region.

Published in Dawn, September 30th, 2026