Thousands march for peace in Waziristan
Tribesmen gather at Edak in North Waziristan to protest against lawlessness. Photo: Express
A peace march was organized in the Azam Warsak area of the Lower South Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Saturday which attracted thousands of local residents.
The gathering was organised to press the government on the restoration of law and order in the troubled district with protesters demanding protection for the constitutional and fundamental human rights of the tribesmen.
The march was a clear message that local tribesmen were determined to peacefully struggle against unrest and to achieve their rights in a non-violent manner.
Addressing the gathering, speakers said that the maintenance of law and order was the primary responsibility of the government and its failure to do so not only affected public life but also brought economic activities to a standstill.
They also expressed grave concern over the increasing incidents of terrorism in the area and said that they were causing insecurity among the locals and severely affecting businesses and daily life.
The speakers also strongly condemned the incidents in which security forces had opened fire on civilians and demanded an immediate halt to them.
The district police department was also warned that it must bring transparency in its duties and not harass the general public.
The participants of the peace march also expressed deep disappointment and regret over the absence of political leaders at the gathering and said leaders of all political parties should have participated in the march to show a united front.
They said these leaders only participated in programmes that offered social media recognition and publicity.
On the other hand, Wali Muhammad Wazir, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in South Waziristan Lower, said in his message on social media that the people had proved with their strength and determination that they stood for their rights despite the absence of political leaders.
He added that abandoning the people and ignoring their issues was a clear failure of the political parties.