Senior tribal elders in Mohmand held a joint press conference today to express their full support for Pakistan’s armed forces and to condemn negative social media campaigns targeting security institutions. The elders praised the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying his command had strengthened the country’s defence capabilities and enhanced Pakistan’s standing internationally.
Speaking at Mohmand Press Club, the elders—Malik Sahibdad Khan, Malik Nusrat Khan Tregzai, Malik Amir Nawaz, Malik Younas Khan, Malik Dare Khan, Malik Ghulam Nabi, Malik Shah Room Khan, Malik Nazir Khan, Malik Aurangzeb Khan, Malik Mumtaz Khan, Malik Mosam Khan, Malik Ajmal Khan, and Malik Wasal Khan—emphasized that peace and security in Mohmand were non-negotiable. They said the tribes have always stood shoulder to shoulder with security forces and will continue to do so in every effort to protect the region.
The elders congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir on his new responsibilities and hailed his leadership in enhancing Pakistan’s defence posture. They highlighted the army’s recent successes, including repelling adversaries in operational confrontations and safeguarding national interests such as the security of Harmain Sharifain. Several speakers warned that negative propaganda on social media against the army was unacceptable and could harm public confidence in security institutions, calling on the government to take strict action.
Malik Younas Khan recalled that under Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership, India had suffered a humiliating setback, including the downing of Rafale aircraft, which the elders described as an unforgettable victory. The speakers also stressed the importance of resolving cross-border issues with Afghanistan peacefully, noting the tribal belt’s direct proximity to the frontier and the need for cooperation to ensure stability on both sides.
The elders concluded by urging the Chief of Defence Forces to announce special development initiatives for the tribal districts, citing decades of terrorism that had destroyed infrastructure and delayed progress. They said it was time for Mohmand’s people to be fully integrated into the national mainstream and to benefit from sustained development.
Earlier today in Orakzai, a major jirga in Kalaya brought together elders from the four main tribes of Lower Orakzai, led by DPO Shaukat Ali. The meeting addressed recent attempts by militants to infiltrate the Ferozkhel area and exploit abandoned houses for operational purposes. The elders endorsed the security assessment, agreed on immediate resettlement of uninhabited houses, the establishment of a new check post in Puski, and continuation of Frontier Corps deployments in Indhara. The jirga highlighted how tribal cooperation strengthens state efforts and prevents extremist footholds in the region.
The Mohmand press conference, alongside the Orakzai jirga, reflects a wider understanding across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that national stability depends on unity between security forces and local communities. Tribal elders emphasised that public resolve, in tandem with Pakistan’s military, remains the most decisive factor in countering terrorism and safeguarding the country from internal and external threats.
