Security sources have made it clear that there will be no compromise or negotiations with the Khawarij in Bajaur, declaring that any perception of ambiguity in discussions about tribes and external elements is unfounded. They said ground realities point to the Khawarij living among the local population and engaging in both terrorist and criminal activities.
According to security sources, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, including Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and senior security officials, has placed three clear options before the tribal elders of Bajaur: First: Expel the Khawarij, the majority of whom are Afghan nationals, from the area.
Second: If the tribes are unable to remove them, vacate the area for one or two days to allow the security forces to eliminate them.
Third: If neither of the first two measures is feasible, minimise collateral damage to the maximum extent possible, as operations against the Khawarij will continue in any case.
They emphasised that there can be no question of talks with the Khawarij or their facilitators unless they fully and unconditionally surrender to the state. The convening of the tribal jirga, they noted, is a logical step to ensure maximum civilian protection ahead of any action.
Security sources underscored that compromise with the Khawarij whom they described as enemies of Islam, the state, and the values of the brave people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—is not permitted by religion, the state, or public sentiment. They further reiterated that the right to conduct any armed action rests solely with the state.
