WANA: The political parties in South Waziristan on Thursday set aside differences to confront a shared concern of deteriorating security situation in the region.
Leaders and workers from across the political spectrum gathered in Wana Bazaar to strategize ahead of a planned peace procession. The multi-party meeting came amid public frustration over rising militancy, targeted killings, and law enforcement failures in the area. Representatives from political parties, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Awami National Party (ANP), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), attended the meeting.
The gathering aimed to unite efforts for the success of the peace march scheduled for tomorrow, seen as a public response to the region’s deepening insecurity. The participants reviewed the arrangements for the event and expressed satisfaction with the preparations.
A joint resolution was passed during the meeting, expressing grave concern over the collapse of law and order in Lower Waziristan and demanding that the government takes immediate and concrete action to restore peace. Speakers at the gathering criticized the role of the government, stating that law enforcement agencies had failed to contain the surge in violence. They said that citizens in Wana were living in constant fear due to unchecked militant activity and a lack of effective state intervention.
“It is the constitutional duty of the state to protect its citizens,” one party leader remarked. But the people of Wana are left to fend for themselves while violence grows unchecked.”The leaders acknowledged the unwavering patriotism of the tribes of South Waziristan, who have sacrificed immensely for the country’s stability.
However, they lamented that the state has not reciprocated with the necessary measures to ensure lasting peace in the region.With high tensions and security challenges mounting, the peace procession is seen as more than a symbolic act - a unified call from the people demanding action, accountability, and safety.
The meeting concluded with a strong appeal to the federal and provincial governments to implement long-term, strategic reforms. These include strengthening local policing, dismantling armed groups, and investing in the region’s socio-economic development to create a sustainable path to peace.