Residents evacuate Datta Khel, North Waziristan. EXPRESSION
Families in North Waziristan’s Datta Khel tehsil in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province are fleeing their homes in panic fearing an impending large-scale security operation, leaving normal life behind as roads remain closed and essential supplies dwindle.
According to local sources, the migration from various villages towards safer areas has continued day and night for the past week. Residents say several entry and exit routes to Datta Khel have been closed for days, severely disrupting daily life. Markets are almost completely closed, while shortages of food, medicine and other necessities are beginning to appear.
The locals told Express Pakinomist that women, children and the elderly under the cover of night were forced to leave their homes despite the intense heat. Many women have been seen standing in the open backs of vehicles, while several families trek on foot towards unknown destinations.
Read: Waziristan tehsil empties as unrest triggers exodus
“People are gripped by grave fear. Families were moved in vehicles throughout the night. Many did not even have time to pack their belongings,” said a resident.
Another resident highlighted the situation of the most vulnerable. “Elderly people and patients suffer the most. Many old people can barely walk but are still forced to walk. Children are terrified and women are extremely distraught.”
Residents have questioned why civilians bear the brunt of any security operation despite a large presence of security forces in the area. A local shopkeeper said: “The burden of every conflict and every operation falls on the poor. People are repeatedly made homeless and forced to rebuild their lives from scratch.”
A tribal elder criticized the absence of elected officials. “Our MNAs and MPAs are nowhere to be seen in this difficult time. They only turn up when they need votes.” He noted that the residents of Datta Khel had already been displaced several times due to terrorism and military operations, which greatly affected their economic and mental well-being.
The affected families say that no formal relief camps, medical facilities or food arrangements have been made for them so far. Many live in the open or with relatives.
Government sources say intelligence reports of terrorist presence in parts of Datta Khel have prompted heightened security measures. Officials argue that these precautions are necessary to protect citizens and to make potential counterterrorism operations effective.
Also read: Tribal chief shot down in Waziristan
Locals, however, claim that repeated displacements have only increased anxiety and eroded trust. Residents say the people of Waziristan have endured decades of unrest, conflict and instability and now want nothing more than peace, dignity and a stable life.
According to sources, exodus from Datta Khel and surrounding areas is still ongoing and the situation remains tense. Affected people have appealed to the government to immediately provide transport, food, clean drinking water, medical facilities and financial assistance.
