There comes a point when avoiding hard truths becomes more dangerous than confronting them. That point has arrived. The fight against terrorism is not a matter of opinion, politics, or convenience it is a matter of survival, memory, and responsibility. Those who choose silence or false neutrality in the face of terrorism must revisit the painful history of Swat, Buner, and Shangla, where extremism once brought devastation to entire communities.
The people of Swat, Buner, and Shangla stand as enduring examples of courage and sacrifice. They proved that peace is not granted freely; it is earned at a heavy cost. When terrorists-imposed fear, violence, and coercion, families were forced to leave their homes, endure displacement, and face immense hardship. Yet they did not surrender. Standing firmly with the state and the armed forces, these communities rejected extremism and reclaimed their land. The peace that exists there today is not accidental it is the result of resilience, unity, and unwavering resolve.
Today, troubling signs indicate a return of familiar threats in Tirah. The same militant elements that fled Swat and Mingora during Operation Rah-e-Rast in 2009–10 are once again attempting to destabilize the region. These are the very individuals responsible for heinous crimes beheadings, targeted killings, and acts that shocked the conscience of humanity. Yet there remains a dangerous mindset that refuses to condemn these atrocities, while quickly casting doubt on counterterrorism efforts by labeling them as “wars for dollars” or conspiracies over resources.
Such narratives collapse when faced with a simple truth. Swat and Buner possess far greater mineral wealth than Tirah, yet their people never shielded terrorists. They did not justify violence or offer excuses. They stood with the state, chose unity over fear, and secured peace through collective resolve. Tirah today needs the same courage, awareness, and unity to prevent history from repeating itself.
Terrorism has no religion, no ethnicity, and no geography. It recognizes only destruction. It is the enemy of humanity itself. The men and women on the frontlines who place their lives at risk to protect the future deserve trust, support, and solidarity, not suspicion or misinformation.
This is a moment for clarity. It is time to recognize those who exploit innocence to weaken the state from within, to reject narratives that normalize or excuse terror, and to stand firmly with those safeguarding peace. History has already shown the cost of denial. Choosing vigilance, unity, and truth is not just necessary it is imperative.
