Pakistan
Three-day curfew in Bajaur for anti-militant operation
Authorities on Monday imposed a three-day curfew in more than 25 villages of Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to facilitate targeted operations against militants following the collapse of negotiations.
According to a statement from Deputy Commissioner Bajaur, the curfew — approved by the Home and Tribal Affairs Department — came into effect at 11 a.m. and will remain in place until the same time on August 14.
Movement will be restricted daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on key roads, including Khar–Munda, Khar–Nawagai, Khar–Pasht Salarzai and Khar–Sadiqabad Inayat Kalli.
Residents have been directed to remain indoors and avoid gatherings, with authorities warning that violators will be held accountable for any untoward incident.
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The curfew affects several localities, including Laghrai, Gowati, Ghanam Shah, Bad Siah, Kamar, Amanta, Zagai, Gat, Ghunday, Dag, Dama Dola and Sheen Kot.
Officials said thousands of residents have already moved to safer areas, while 107 government schools have been vacated to accommodate displaced families.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has begun setting up a relief camp in Khar, with aid supplies arriving by truck.
Background
The move follows the failure of a jirga with militants and comes weeks after the district administration launched Operation Sarbakaf in 16 locations of Lowi Mamund tehsil to eliminate terrorists.
The earlier operation faced criticism from political parties, with Awami National Party chief Aimal Wali Khan alleging civilian casualties and the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl declining to support the campaign.
