North Waziristan: Residents of Harmuz village in the Mir Ali subdivision of North Waziristan staged a protest on Tuesday following a reported drone strike that killed four civilians.
According to the elders for the Utmanzai tribe, the bodies of the victims were placed in front of local administrative offices as part of the protest.
The strike reportedly occurred on Monday morning, and the deceased were later taken to Bannu Hospital.
District Police Officer (DPO) Waqar Ahmed confirmed the incident, saying preliminary reports from locals suggested it was a drone strike. He added that investigations are underway to determine the origin of the drone.
The victims included three siblings and their disabled cousin, according to DPO Ahmed. Maulana Baitullah ,spokesperson of Utnanzai tribe, noted that the incident has stirred anger among local residents, who claim they saw an object resembling a drone flying overhead prior to the explosion.
Authorities are exploring the possibility that armed militants in the region may be using quadcopters, but no confirmation has been made yet.
This strike follows a similar incident on May 12 in the same area, where an explosion inside a house injured 15 women and children. Locals had also suspected a drone in that case, though it was never confirmed.
Mohsin Dawar, leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) and resident of North Waziristan, stated on social media platform X that four children were killed and a woman injured in the recent strike. He asserted that such attacks have become a disturbing routine in the area.
Dawar urged NDM’s student wing to organize protests in educational institutions across the country.
Local tribal elder Nisar Ali reported heightened tensions in the region, with several key roads—Bannu-Miranshah Road, Hangu-Tall Road, Razmak Road, and the route to Khaisur—now closed to traffic.
He demanded that the administration and security officials clarify who was behind the attack and how it was executed.
Awami National Party President, Senator Aimal Wali khan expressed serious concerns over the incident and critises the central government for their dual behaviour towards the people of Lahore and Waziristan. Aimal Wali Khan said that he will raise his voice in senate and will ask the government to public the complete data of drones attacks and the casualties.
Maulana Baitullah said that people from across North Waziristan and neighboring areas are gathering in Mir Ali to join the ongoing protest. He also mentioned that a tribal jirga was held recently to discuss the deteriorating security situation, and talks with security officials were scheduled—but the explosion occurred before those discussions could take place.
A local administrative official confirmed that protests are ongoing in Mir Ali and that negotiations with demonstrators are being pursued.
