BAJAUR: A targeted military operation, dubbed Operation Sarbakaf, resumed in Bajaur’s Lowi Mamund tehsil on Monday after peace negotiations between local militants and the Bajaur Amn Jirga broke down. The provincial government responded by imposing a three-month curfew across several areas, triggering criticism from local leaders and hardships for residents.
Originally launched on July 29, the operation was temporarily halted following signs of progress in talks. However, by Friday evening, the discussions — which reportedly included the possible relocation of militants to Afghanistan — collapsed after reaching a deadlock. In response, the military reinitiated the offensive, using helicopter gunships and artillery to target hideouts in the Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils, roughly 20km from district headquarters, Khar. No casualties were reported on the operation’s first day.
Despite the intensity of the offensive, the army’s media wing, ISPR, did not release any official statement on Monday.
Curfew Imposed, Displacement Grows Amid Civilian Backlash
The district administration, with approval from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home Department, imposed a 12-hour curfew on key routes including the Khar-Munda, Khar-Nawagai, Khar-Pashat Salarzai, and Khar-Sadiqabad-Inayat Kalley roads, effective from 11am to 11pm on Monday. In addition, a three-day curfew was enforced in 27 areas of Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils to secure the operation zone.
The announcement, posted early Monday morning on the Deputy Commissioner’s official Facebook page, advised residents to remain indoors and warned of “unpleasant consequences” for non-compliance. Police sirens were used to alert residents, and traders were ordered to shut down shops across major areas including Khar, Inayat Kalley, Nawagai, and Laghari.
The restrictions disrupted daily life, especially in urban areas of Khar tehsil, drawing criticism from political figures and civil society. Sahibzada Haroon Rashid, head of the Bajaur Amn Jirga, held an emergency press conference at the Bajaur Press Club, accusing the government of bypassing local input before imposing the curfew and failing to provide logistical support for displaced residents. He urged the administration to immediately arrange transport and shelter for affected families.
Displacement Surges as Schools Converted into Shelters
As a result of the renewed military action, an estimated 2,000 families have fled their homes since Saturday, including 300 families on Monday alone, according to local NGOs and community leaders. The government has yet to release an official figure.
Khalid Khan, executive director of the Siraj Uddin Khan Foundation, confirmed that many families sought refuge in temporary shelters set up by NGOs or stayed with relatives. To accommodate the growing number of displaced individuals, the district administration has designated 449 public and private schools as temporary housing facilities.
Following a meeting between education department officials and Khar Assistant Commissioner Dr Sadiq Ali, it was announced that 309 boys’ schools, 140 girls’ schools, and 113 private schools will be used for displaced families. Relief efforts are ongoing, but concerns remain about the adequacy of support and coordination.
