Residents evacuate Datta Khel, North Waziristan. EXPRESS
Families in Datta Khel tehsil in North Waziristan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province are fleeing their homes in panic, fearing an imminent large-scale security operation, leaving normal lives behind as roads remain closed and essential supplies dwindle.
According to local sources, migration from different villages to safer areas continued day and night over the past week. Residents say several entry and exit routes to Datta Khel have been closed for several days, seriously disrupting daily life. Markets are almost completely closed, while shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities begin to emerge.
The residents said The Express PK Press Club that under the cover of night, women, children and the elderly were forced to abandon their homes despite the intense heat. Many women were seen standing in the backs of vehicles, while several families walked on foot to unknown destinations.
Read: Waziristan Tehsil empties as unrest triggers exodus
“People are gripped by intense fear. Families were moved in vehicles all night. Many did not even have time to pack their bags,” said one resident.
Another resident highlighted the plight of the most vulnerable. “The elderly and patients suffer the most. Many elderly people can barely walk but are still forced to leave. Children are terrified and women are extremely distressed.”
Residents question why civilians bear the brunt of every security operation despite a heavy presence of security forces in the area. A local trader said: “The burden of every conflict and operation falls on the poor. People repeatedly find themselves homeless and forced to rebuild their lives from scratch.”
A tribal elder criticized the absence of elected officials. “Our MPs and MPs are nowhere to be found during this difficult time. They only appear when they need votes.” He noted that the residents of Datta Khel had already been displaced several times due to terrorism and military operations, seriously affecting their economic and mental well-being.
Affected families say no official relief camps, medical facilities or food arrangements have been set up for them so far. Many are taking refuge in the open air or with relatives.
Government sources say intelligence reports of terrorist presence in parts of Datta Khel have led to increased security measures. Officials maintain that these precautionary measures are necessary for the protection of citizens and the effectiveness of possible anti-terrorism operations.
Read also: Tribal leader shot dead in Waziristan
However, residents say the repeated trips have only increased anxiety and eroded confidence. 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, the exodus from Datta Khel and surrounding areas continues and the situation remains tense. The affected people have called on the government to immediately provide them with transportation, food, clean water, medical facilities and financial assistance.
