DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The military authorities have agreed to resettle the displaced tribesmen of Upper South Waziristan district, as demanded by a jirga.

The elders of Mehsud and Barki tribes from Upper South Waziristan presented their demands at a jirga with Inspector General of Frontier Corps South Maj-Gen Mehar Umer Niazi at the Sararogha Army Brigade the other day.

The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Brigade Commander Brig Umair Khan Niazi, elders Malik Rapa Khan Mehsud, former senator Maulana Mohammad Saleh Shah Qureshi, former National Assembly candidate Malik Saeed Anwar Mehsud, MPA Asif Mehsud, Malik Saifur Rehman Mehsud, Maulana Ehsamuddin, Malik Irfanuddin Barki and others.

The elders briefed Gen Niazi on the region’s peace and presented five major demands, including the resettlement of families displaced from Doshka, Abakhel and Zarif Khel areas; the withdrawal of FIRs registered against four individuals; measures to stop deforestation; ensuring civilian safety during operations; and addressing other miscellaneous issues.

Gen Niazi announced the immediate resettlement of displaced families, instructing the jirga members and Brigadier Umair Niazi to finalise the dates within two days. He expressed displeasure over illegal logging and vowed to curb such activities, emphasising that timber mafias would be closely monitored and dealt with strictly. “However, trees posing security risks near FC posts would be removed with the consensus of army officials and tribal elders.”

He also assured the withdrawal of FIRs against jirga members, ensuring no member faces undue legal action.

He further announced that the newly constructed FC Fort in Ladha would be provided rent-free for two years to host the district administration, police, education, and other departmental offices. “This initiative is expected to significantly boost development in the region.”

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2025