Militant council in North Waziristan endorses army's counter-terrorism operations against the radical group, Fitna al-Khawarij
In recent developments, the border provinces of KP and Balochistan have seen a surge in terror attacks, with a 42% increase in January 2025 compared to the previous month, according to data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) [1].
The increased attacks have primarily targeted law enforcers and security forces, a trend that has been observed since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021 [1].
In a bid to combat this escalating violence, a significant Jirga (council) of tribal elders was held in Miranshah, North Waziristan, on Saturday [2]. The purpose of the jirga was to consult with the tribes on the restoration of peace, and the elders pledged their full cooperation to support the Pakistan Army’s efforts to eliminate the terrorist group Fitna al-Khawarij from the region [2].
The army leadership, including Major General Adil Iftikhar Warraich, emphasized the importance of tribal cooperation during the Jirga. Parallel political efforts are also underway, with a special Jirga in KP aiming to develop a comprehensive peace restoration strategy involving the merged districts [2].
The army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has publicly accused India of orchestrating a proxy war by backing Fitna al-Khawarij, especially after cross-border hostilities earlier in the year, and stressed the army's commitment to decisively dismantle such militant networks throughout Pakistan [3].
Fitna al-Khawarij continues to carry out attacks using drones launched from Afghan territory, targeting civilians in the newly merged districts, with some attacks causing significant civilian casualties [1]. The terrorist group blames the Pakistan Army for these attacks to fuel negative propaganda, but evidence indicates the army is not responsible, and the operations are conducted with external (Indian) support and funding [1].
The cooperation of the tribal elders is a crucial step in the fight against Fitna al-Khawarij, as they play a significant role in stabilizing the area and assisting security forces towards lasting peace [2]. A 20-member jirga from the merged districts was formed to prepare a comprehensive strategy for the restoration of peace [2].
The Pakistan Army is actively engaged in a campaign against Fitna al-Khawarij in North Waziristan, with official military operations supported by local tribal elders. The strategy will be presented before the government and the military leadership [2]. The tribal elders also paid rich tribute to the security forces for their unparalleled sacrifices [2].
The jirga was reported by Geo News [2]. The tribal elders endorsed the Pakistan Army's zero-tolerance policy for the establishment of peace [2].
In summary, the Pakistan Army’s fight against Fitna al-Khawarij in North Waziristan currently involves coordinated military operations bolstered by tribal endorsement, with ongoing political and strategic efforts to restore peace while countering an externally supported insurgency perpetrated by this militant group [2][3][1].
[1] Geo News. (2025, January). Increased terror attacks in Pakistan: Data reveals 42% surge in January 2025. Retrieved from https://www.geo.tv/latest/365421-increased-terror-attacks-in-pakistan-data-reveals-42-surge-in-january-2025
[2] The News International. (2025, February). Tribal elders support Pakistan Army's efforts to eliminate Fitna al-Khawarij. Retrieved from https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1184574-tribal-elders-support-pakistan-army-s-efforts-to-eliminate-fitna-al-khawarij
[3] Dawn. (2025, March). Army chief accuses India of supporting Fitna al-Khawarij. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1647632/army-chief-accuses-india-of-supporting-fitna-al-khawarij
News outlets report a surge in terror attacks in Pakistan's KP and Balochistan provinces, with a significant increase in January 2025 compared to the previous month. The violence has primarily targeted law enforcement and security forces, however, a significant Jirga of tribal elders was recently held aimed at restoring peace and eliminating Fitna al-Khawarij, a militant group believed to be backed by external forces, predominantly India, and implicated in war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and general-news.
