BAJAUR: Rallies were held in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday to express solidarity with the country’s armed forces over unprovoked aggression by the Afghan Taliban.

They praised forces for their “swift and decisive” response to Afghan attacks and pledged continued support to them in defending the country.

In Bajaur tribal district, scores of elders, religious scholars and youth leaders attended a ceremony organised by the district administration at the Jirga Hall of Civil Colony in Khar.

Officials of the district administration, police, tehsil municipal administration, Rescue 1122 and other departments participated in the event held on the directives of deputy commissioner Shahid Ali Khan, according to an official statement.

Participants say unprovoked attacks serious threat to regional peace

The speakers condemned the Afghan Taliban regime for “unprovoked aggression on Pakistani soil, calling it a serious threat to regional peace and stability. They lauded armed forces for their “swift and effective” response and reiterated unwavering support for the military in defending the country.

The speakers noted that the Afghan Taliban regime, backed by India and Israel, was working against Pakistan and supporting militant groups operating against the country.

They vowed to support the security forces in thwarting any foreign aggression and invasion.

The event was followed by a rally whose participants held national flags and banners with slogans against the Afghan Taliban regime.

The Jirga Hall-Colony Chowk rally concluded, with participants praying for national peace and security.

Also in the day, a rally was held outside the Bannu Press Club in support of the Pakistan Army.

The participants carried placards and banners with slogans expressing solidarity with the armed forces.

The speakers, including Muttahida Mahaz Asatza provincial general secretary Riaz Khan, Press Club president Niaz Ali Shah and senior vice president Ghulam Fareed Niazi, Majlis-i-Amila chairman Nasrullah Khan, secretary administration Karimullah Khan, said the Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against the Afghan Taliban was not merely a military action but a declaration of the nation’s unwavering resolve and commitment to safeguarding the homeland.

They said whenever the security of the motherland was challenged, Pakistanis stood like an iron wall and crushed the enemy’s nefarious designs.

The speakers said the country’s soldiers stood firm on the borders, so citizens could live in peace. They urged the nation to offer special prayers for the country’s safety and the success of armed forces against aggression.

The rally concluded with participants praying for the country’s security and stability.

Also, a large rally was staged in Mohmand tribal district’s main Mandi Bazaar to express solidarity with the Pakistan Army.

Many participants, including tribal leaders, carried rifles and rocket launchers on their shoulders while shouting slogans in support of the Pakistan Army.

Officials of the district administration also attended the rally and called for strict measures to stop cross-border terrorism.

Elders Malik Sahibdad, Malik Nader Manan, Malik Mosam Khan, Malik Israel Safi and Malik Mehrab Din said people from the tribal region would continue to support the armed forces for countering unprovoked Afghan aggression.

They insisted that the current Afghan government, backed by India, was being used for terrorism in Pakistan.

The speakers claimed that anti-Pakistan militant groups had been given sanctuary on Afghan soil to launch attacks on Pakistani security forces.

Meanwhile, the police and civil administrations organised a flag march in Kohat and expressed their resolve to restore peace in the region.

During a presser, district police officer Shehbaz Elahi and deputy commissioner Mohammad Nawaz said all resources had been mobilised for peace and safety of people.

They said public support was vital to keep the morale of the border defenders high.

The officials urged political and religious parties to forge unity to defeat the enemy and said the people must report any suspicious activity or person for action.

The DC said several Afghan drones had been shot down, with the army defending the borders with gallantry.

In Charsadda, traders organised a rally to express solidarity with the Pakistan Army.

They shouted slogans like “Long live Pakistan Army” and “We stand with you, Pakistan Army.”

The speakers, including Lal Mohammad Lal, Iftikhar Hussain Saraf, Hakimullah Fauji, Haji Sadiqullah and Mian Rahim Badshah, paid tribute to the Pakistan Army for their sacrifices and professional services and promised full support to them.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026