By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
KHYBER: In a massive peace rally, the Bara Seyasi Ittehad and thousands of residents from Tirah and surrounding areas strongly rejected any proposed military operation and forced displacement in the region, vowing peaceful resistance to protect their rights, homes, and livelihoods.
Thousands of residents gathered in Bara tehsil of Khyber tribal district on Friday in response to calls by the Bara Seyasi Ittehad, rejecting any plans of military operation or forced displacement from the Tirah valley. This hilly, lush green area shares a border with Afghanistan and the Orakzai tribal district.
The grand peace rally was attended by people from Tirah, Bara and other areas of Khyber district, many of whom arrived in large processions carrying placards with messages such as “We Want Peace” and “Stop Militancy.”
Prominent political, religious and social leaders, including MNA Iqbal Afridi, provincial minister for C&W Sohail Afridi, MPA Abdul Ghani Afridi, former federal minister Hameedullah Jan, JUI (F)’s Maulana Shamsuddin, tehsil chairman Mufti Kafeel, JI Khyber ameer Shah Faisal Afridi and others addressed the charged crowd.
Speakers collectively rejected any fresh military operation, citing the deep scars of previous ones. “Past operations paralyzed the tribes economically and socially. We are still awaiting compensation and rehabilitation for demolished homes,” said former minister Hameedullah Jan.
He stressed that the tribal community is no longer willing to accept policies that bring displacement and destruction. “We will not allow anyone to exploit our minerals or disturb the peace of Bara,” he added, calling for a shift in state policy.
JI leader Shah Faisal Afridi said tribal people want education, healthcare and development, not more unrest. “If our demands are ignored, we will take our protest to Peshawar and Islamabad,” he warned.
Bara Seyasi Ittehad President Hasham Khan Afridi demanded the release of Malik Naseer Afridi, Ali Wazir and Samad Khan. He also condemned the imposition of taxes in the former FATA region, highlighting that 90% of the industry had shut down, rendering thousands jobless.
“We are victims of terrorism, not terrorists. We demand peace, justice and dignity,” Hasham Afridi said, adding that if any coercive action is launched in Tirah, tribesmen across the region would join a united, constitutional and peaceful resistance under the jirga system.
The rally concluded with a collective oath by participants to defend their land, homes and honour through peaceful means. The crowd later offered Friday prayers during the rally, marking the event’s peaceful and united message.
