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Ikhtiar Wali Says Terrorists Being Sheltered in KP Tribal Areas
PM’s coordinator Ikhtiar Wali claims terrorists are being “facilitated” in KP’s tribal areas, forcing military operations amid rising civilian casualties & protests.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-09-24
Ikhtiar Wali Says Terrorists Being Sheltered in KP Tribal Areas

The Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Information for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Affairs, Ikhtiar Wali Khan, has claimed that terrorists are being “facilitated and given refuge” in the province’s tribal districts, compelling security forces to carry out operations in the region.

His remarks come in the wake of alleged aerial strikes in KP’s Tirah valley last week, which reportedly killed more than two dozen people, including women and children. The incident sparked widespread anger, with tribesmen staging protests and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan demanding an independent inquiry.

Officials, however, maintained that the explosions were caused by terrorists storing and manufacturing explosives inside residential compounds.

Locals Accused of Sheltering Militants

Speaking on DawnNewsTV’s program Doosra Rukh, Wali responded to criticism from the PTI-led KP government over the deteriorating security situation. While some PTI leaders have supported military operations, others have opposed them, raising questions over the party’s stance.

Addressing this, Wali urged locals not to shelter those targeted in operations.

“Our brothers, sisters, friends, sons, children, and elders in tribal areas should not give refuge to people targeted in military operations,” he said.

Pressed further, Wali stated:

“It certainly cannot be an outsider. How would the terrorists be operating in these areas otherwise? Someone has to be giving refuge to them and facilitating them. And when operations are carried out, our citizens also lose their lives.”

While he stopped short of explicitly confirming that residents were sheltering militants, he reiterated that facilitation “certainly” exists.

Rising Violence in KP and Balochistan

KP and Balochistan have witnessed a surge in militant violence, particularly after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the state and vowed to target security forces, police, and law enforcement agencies.

In recent months:

·       A bomb blast in Bajaur during a cricket match killed one person.

·       A suspected quadcopter strike in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, killed four children and injured five others, prompting week-long protests by locals.

·       In Mardan, at least 11 people were killed earlier this year in what residents alleged was a drone strike. Officials, however, claimed it was an anti-militant operation.

Civilian Toll and Demands for Accountability

Repeated incidents of civilian deaths have fueled resentment among locals, who accuse authorities of failing to differentiate between militants and innocent residents. Sit-ins and protests have become common, with tribesmen demanding accountability and guarantees of safety.

Wali’s statement adds to the ongoing debate over the balance between national security and civilian protection, as the state struggles to contain terrorism while avoiding further alienation of tribal communities.
Tagged:

Pakistan

KP

Terrorism

TribalAreas

IkhtiarWali
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