Ongoing, focused police action in Bajaur and Khyber regions, according to the KP police chief
In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) region of Pakistan, the district of Bajaur is currently under a targeted military operation against Taliban militants, causing significant displacement and challenging the security and humanitarian environment.
Displacement
Approximately 55,000 to 100,000 people from Mamund tehsil and other parts of Bajaur have been displaced due to the security operation. Many displaced individuals are sheltering in government buildings and schools or moving to safer areas, often relying on self-help and some assistance from local political parties. The displacement is complicated by an imposed curfew that restricts movement, making residents "hostage" to the situation and hindering their migration to safe areas.
Security Measures and Operations
Pakistani security forces have launched a targeted operation in the Mamund area of Bajaur against around 500 Taliban militants believed to have crossed in from Afghanistan. The operation involves strikes on insurgent hideouts and is described as not being large-scale to avoid civilian casualties. The offensive began after failed negotiations with local jirgas to evict militants and a set deadline for evacuations was given prior to the start of military action. Helicopters have supported ground forces in targeting militant positions near the Afghanistan border.
Security Situation and Challenges
Civilians have suffered casualties, with mortars killing at least two children and their mother in Mamund, igniting protests and demands for investigations. Despite government assurances to protect civilians, sporadic shelling and accidents have occurred during ongoing military operations. A curfew initially imposed has been eased to allow residents access to essential goods, but movement remains restricted in many areas.
Additional Context - Natural Disasters
Bajaur and other districts in KP have also been severely affected by torrential rains and flash floods in mid-August 2025, causing additional displacement and damage to infrastructure. Over 300 fatalities in KP have been reported from floods, worsening the humanitarian situation with needs for shelter, food, water, health services, and infrastructure restoration.
Negotiations and Registration
Security forces have laid out multiple options for negotiations with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Bajaur. The first option presented to the tribal jirgas is for the terrorists to leave Bajaur, while the second option is for the tribes' evacuation for the operation so that the khawarij can be brought to an end. Registration is underway for around 20,000 families in host communities, but figures for the number of registered families are changing continuously as the situation evolves.
Authorities have ruled out negotiations with the terrorists and their facilitators in Bajaur until the militants completely submit to the state. Residents were asked to conclude all activities by 10:30am and remain indoors during the curfew period. The police and administration have made arrangements for people who voluntarily leave the area, including the provision of medical care and food. Security personnel have been stationed at all established camps in Bajaur.
Continued Challenges
More than 350 terrorists are present in Khyber district, and about 300 terrorists are present in two areas of Tehsil Mamund in Bajaur. The terrorists in Bajaur are using negotiations as a smokescreen to gear up for war and are living among the general population while simultaneously engaging in terrorist and criminal activities. Around 80% of the terrorists in the said districts are Afghans. Security personnel have been deployed in Khar and other areas in Bajaur.
More than 6,600 temporarily displaced persons are currently residing in 85 public and private educational institutions. The sports stadium camp houses 334 families, with 2,497 individuals. The ongoing operation in Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, continues amidst these challenges, with the government striving to manage displacement and civilian safety while conducting military actions.
[1] https://www.dawn.com/news/1574053 [2] https://www.geo.tv/latest/1635727-bajaur-operation-enters-second-day [3] https://www.dawn.com/news/1574053 [4] https://www.geo.tv/latest/1635727-bajaur-operation-enters-second-day [5] https://www.geo.tv/latest/1635727-bajaur-operation-enters-second-day
- TheGeneralNews: Despite the ongoing military operation against Taliban militants in Bajaur, Pakistan, reports also surface regarding the displacement of civilians seeking shelter and assistance in nearby regions, creating a complex humanitarian crisis.
- Sports: Amidst these unsettling circumstances in Bajaur, a sports stadium now serves as a temporary shelter for 334 families and 2,497 individuals, offering limited relief for some who have been displaced due to the escalating conflict.
- Food: Ongoing tension and unrest in Bajaur have led to a challenging environment for obtaining essential goods, negatively impacting the daily lives of the displaced individuals who are struggling to find food and other necessities in their journeys to safer locations.
- Education: More than 6,600 displaced persons are currently living in 85 public and private educational institutions across the affected region. These schools, intended for knowledge-sharing and academic growth, have been repurposed to accommodate the growing number of displaced individuals and families.
