Thousands rally in Bara against military operation in Tirah Valley

F.P. Report

BARA, KHYBER DISTRICT: On Friday, July 11, 2025, thousands of residents from Bara and Tirah Valley in Khyber District gathered in Bara Bazaar to protest against a planned military operation and the forced displacement of communities from Tirah Valley. Organized under the banner of Bara Siyasi Ittehad (BSI), the massive peace rally, held at Minara Jumaat Chowk, drew parliamentarians, tribal elders, political activists, and civil society members united in their demand for peace and opposition to militarization.

The demonstration, which later turned into an anti-military operation protest, saw participants chanting slogans against forced evictions and the establishment of armed peace committees. BSI president Hashim Khan Afridi addressed the crowd, declaring that the people of Tirah and Bara would not yield to pressure for a new military operation. He warned that any attempt to forcibly evict Tirah residents would lead to road blockades on Sheen Kamar Road and protest camps outside the Corps Commander’s House, Governor’s House, and Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar until displaced families are allowed to return home honorably.

Protesters, including those who performed Friday prayers on roads and rooftops, issued a three-day ultimatum for the return of displaced families from Takhtaki, emphasizing their commitment to peace and rejection of further violence. Social media posts on X highlighted the scale of the gathering, with users like @war_observer1 and @TirahWalMama describing the event as a powerful message of harmony and resistance to ongoing conflict in the region.

The rally reflects growing frustration with state policies perceived to exacerbate terrorism and displacement. One X post by @iamatif_orakzai noted, “Peace in Pukhtunkhwa is not a priority for the state,” echoing sentiments of marginalization among locals. The protest also drew attention to the broader socio-political dynamics in Khyber, where communities feel their calls for peace are ignored by mainstream authorities.

Organizers vowed to continue their campaign, with plans for further rallies across the district if their demands are not met. The demonstration underscores the region’s complex challenges, balancing the need for security with the rights of residents to live free from displacement and violence. As tensions persist, the people of Bara and Tirah remain resolute in their pursuit of peace.