KHAR, Sept 30: An explosive-laden car was destroyed and five suspected militants were killed in a helicopter attack in the Baloot area of Bajaur Agency on Tuesday. According to sources, two relatives of ‘local militant commanders’ Maulvi Muneer and Mursaleen were among the dead and their two followers were injured.

Security forces pounded militants’ positions by artillery and mortars on Monday night and Tuesday. At least eight people were killed in clashes in various areas. Bombing by planes destroyed the house of Maulvi Muneer in Sewai.

The house of Taliban leader Haji Ferman was destroyed in Touheedabad near Khar. His bank accounts had been frozen recently because of his involvement in militancy. He has also been accused of occupying the land of local tribal elders.

Meanwhile, reports of fresh clashes between armed volunteers of Salarzai tribe and militants were received from Darra area where Taliban had ambushed the tribal lashkar on Monday, killing 13 people. Security forces dropped on Tuesday pamphlets from helicopters in different areas, calling upon tribesmen to support troops in the operation.

“Honourable tribesmen, rise and stand by the army to flush out these oppressors from the area. Beard is a sign of a good Muslim but every person with beard is considered a suspect because of the militants who have earned a bad name for our religion.

“Schools, colleges and hospitals have been closed because of the militants and women and children have been forced to flee their homes. They have occupied our land and they are responsible for the situation.”

The pamphlet urged the youths to supports the troops in their efforts “to bring back our displaced sisters to their homes and reconstruct Bajaur. It also commended the role of local tribesmen.

Opinion

Editorial

Online oppression
Updated 04 Dec, 2024

Online oppression

Plan to bring changes to Peca is simply another attempt to suffocate dissent. It shows how the state continues to prioritise control over real cybersecurity concerns.
The right call
04 Dec, 2024

The right call

AMIDST the ongoing tussle between the federal government and the main opposition party, several critical issues...
Acting cautiously
04 Dec, 2024

Acting cautiously

IT appears too big a temptation to ignore. The wider expectations for a steeper reduction in the borrowing costs...
Competing narratives
03 Dec, 2024

Competing narratives

Rather than hunting keyboard warriors, it would be better to support a transparent probe into reported deaths during PTI protest.
Early retirement
03 Dec, 2024

Early retirement

THE government is reportedly considering a proposal to reduce the average age of superannuation by five years to 55...
Being differently abled
03 Dec, 2024

Being differently abled

A SOCIETY comes of age when it does not normalise ‘othering’. As we observe the International Day of Persons ...