Tribal leader killed in Waziristan

Unidentified armed men opened fire in the Khaisurah Tanga area of Upper South Waziristan on Saturday, killing the president of the Mehsud Zwanan Ittehad, Eid Nawaz, and seriously injuring tribal journalist Atish Mehsud.

According to reports, the assailants fled the scene after the attack. Eid Nawaz died on the spot, while journalist Atish Mehsud sustained critical injuries. He was given first aid locally and later shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana, where his condition is now said to be out of danger.

Expressing deep sorrow and concern over the incident, President of the Tribal Union of Journalists, Aurdeen Mehsud, said that journalists in the tribal districts are performing their duties under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.

He lamented that dozens of tribal journalists have been killed in similar attacks by unidentified assailants, yet no perpetrators have been brought to justice, nor have the families of slain journalists received adequate financial assistance.

Aurdeen Mehsud further stated that despite the presence of thousands of security personnel in the region, unknown groups continue to operate with impunity, a situation that raises serious questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.