KHAR: The security forces on Monday launched a targeted operation in various parts of the Bajaur tribal district by imposing curfew in various areas as gunship helicopters shelled suspected militant hideouts.
According to the district administration, curfew was enforced from 11am to 11pm on all main roads connected to the district headquarters, Khar. In Mamond tehsil, a three-day curfew was imposed in around 27 localities from 11am on August 11 until 11am on August 14 as part of a targeted operation. The residents were asked to conclude all activities by 10:30am and remain indoors during the curfew period.
The authorities warned that any untoward incidents during this time would be the responsibility of those violating the restrictions. The district administration reported a significant movement of people out of Mamond tehsil over the past several days.
To accommodate those affected, government and private schools, as well as colleges, have been vacated, and a relief camp comprising 450 tents was set up at the Bajaur Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, gunship helicopters began shelling suspected militant positions in various parts of Mamond. Also, the members of Salarzai tribe in Bajaur announced that they would not provide shelter to militants, warning that anyone found doing so would be expelled from the area. The decision was made during a jirga held in the Almano Killay in Salarzai. More than 100 elders, including Malik Abdul Rehman, Malik Fazal Muhammad, Malik Azam, Malik Younas Rehman, Malik Abdul Raheem, Malik Fazal Ameen, Malik Sultan Mehmood, Malik Ameer Haji, Malik Azeem, Malik Gul Rehman, Malik Ali Akbar and others, attended the jirga.
The jirga unanimously resolved not to tolerate lawlessness in the region and to prevent any militant groups from entering their territory. Tribal elders emphasized their commitment to defending the country under all circumstances, stating that no one would be allowed to disrupt peace or spread terrorism in Salarzai.
The elders declared that any individual found providing refuge to militants would face expulsion from the area. The district administration, in coordination with welfare organizations, stepped up relief efforts for residents displaced by the ongoing operation in Mamond. According to officials, families leaving various parts of Mamond had taken shelter at the Bajaur Sports Complex, government colleges and schools, private schools, and with relatives.
Acting on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali, Assistant Commissioner of Khar Sadiq Ali and Deputy District Education Officer Shahid vacated 309 boys’ schools and 140 girls’ schools for the displaced. In addition, 113 private schools, including 60 near Khar, had been cleared to accommodate affected families.
Main relief camps were established at the Bajaur Sports Complex, Technical College Inayat Killay, Commerce College Khar, and Degree College Khar, with several schools and other government buildings also housing displaced residents. At the Sports Complex, the administration has set up 450 tents for shelter.
Healthcare facilities were mobilized. District Health Officer Dr Gohar Ali along with DHO staff and Khar Hospital teams established a medical camp at the Sports Complex.
Rescue 1122 set up an additional medical post, and under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Amjad Khan, a first aid camp was treating patients 18 of whom received care so far, with some referred to District Headquarters Hospital Khar for further treatment.
The administration arranged free transportation for affected families, providing buses and other vehicles to move them safely to secure locations.
Local welfare organizations have been supplying food and drinking water, while residents have been actively assisting the displaced. Displaced families appealed to the government to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, citing hardships caused by the summer heat.