In a significant development aimed at addressing the deteriorating law and order situation in Bannu, Commander of Brigade 116, Brigadier Muhammad Umair Niazi, participated in an important grand jirga convened with the elders of the Bannu Qaumi Jirga. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Faheem and focused on pressing security concerns, public hardships, road closures, and measures required to restore normalcy in the district.
The high-level jirga brought together prominent tribal elders, political figures, administrative officials, and security representatives to deliberate on the worsening security environment and the challenges being faced by local residents.
Among the notable participants were former Senator Professor Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, former Provincial Minister Syed Hamid Shah Irfan Durrani, Dr. Pir Sahib Zaman, Malik Yousaf Ullah Khan, Malik Raza Khan, Malik Shakeel Khan, Akhtar Ali Shah, Malik Hashmat Ali Khan, Malik Dil Nawaz Khan, Malik Nafid Khan, Maulana Tayyab Shah, and several other influential community elders. Assistant Commissioner Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Allah Nawaz Khan, and other relevant government officials were also present during the session.
Addressing the jirga, tribal elders expressed serious concern over the prevailing law and order situation in Bannu, stating that residents are enduring extremely difficult circumstances and living under constant fear and psychological stress due to persistent insecurity in the region.
The participants emphasized that the state must adopt and clearly communicate a transparent policy regarding “good and bad elements,” arguing that ambiguity on this issue has fueled uncertainty, anxiety, and mistrust among the public. The elders urged authorities to take decisive and impartial measures to ensure lasting peace and public confidence.
The jirga participants also acknowledged and praised the efforts of Bannu Police, noting that the force has been operating under exceptionally challenging conditions while continuing its efforts to maintain peace and protect civilians. Community leaders paid tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of police personnel and expressed hope that coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, tribal elders, and the public would help restore stability in the district.
A major concern raised during the meeting was the prolonged closure of key roads, including Juma Khan Road, Amandi Road, and Kot Bararah Road, which have severely disrupted daily life and commercial activities. The elders further highlighted the difficulties faced by citizens due to barriers, checkpoints, and blockades established near Miryan Police Station, Basia Khel Police Station, FC Line, and other sensitive locations.
The jirga demanded that unnecessary restrictions and obstacles be removed while ensuring that security arrangements remain effective and balanced with public convenience, allowing citizens to resume normal routines without excessive hardship.
Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Muhammad Umair Niazi reaffirmed the commitment of security forces toward maintaining peace and safeguarding the lives and property of the people of Bannu. He assured jirga participants that a comprehensive strategy would be developed to address public concerns and improve the overall security situation while also minimizing inconvenience to civilians.
The Brigade Commander emphasized that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through close coordination and mutual trust between the public, tribal elders, police, and security institutions.
Referring to the recent attack on the Fateh Khel police checkpoint, Brigadier Niazi stated that the sacrifices of the martyred personnel would not go in vain. He vowed that the security forces would bring all individuals involved in the attack to justice and continue operations against elements responsible for destabilizing the region.
The jirga concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen cooperation between state institutions and local communities to ensure peace, stability, and the restoration of public confidence across Bannu district.
