Bajaur and the Cycle of Conflict

Amir Hamza
Bajaur: The federal government of Pakistan continues to grapple with public dissatisfaction and unrest, particularly in regions sensitive to national security.
In such areas, civic concerns often intersect, sometimes clash, with security imperatives. This tension is partly rooted in the lack of a clear demarcation between civil governance and security operations.
In established democracies, the roles of civilian and military institutions are distinct: civilian matters are handled by elected representatives and institutions, while security remains the domain of the military.
Historically, Pakistan has struggled to establish this division, especially in its tribal regions.
In districts like Bajaur, this imbalance is frequently visible. Here, socio-economic marginalisation, cultural complexity, limited civil infrastructure, and military operations often intertwine, leading to recurrent unrest without lasting resolution.

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One example is Operation Sarbakaf, launched on July 29, 2025. The operation placed Bajaur under strict curfews across 27 districts. Helicopters patrolled overhead, and militant positions were targeted by ground forces. Civilians were asked to evacuate on short notice, resulting in the displacement of tens of thousands.
Such operations raise important questions about the balance between achieving military objectives and protecting civilians. Many perceive these campaigns as focusing on tactical success at the expense of human welfare, a perception that fuels mistrust and unrest.
A sustainable approach to security must prioritise public trust through responsive civil governance. When governance is weak or absent, dissatisfaction and alienation can grow, posing long-term risks to national security.
The humanitarian fallout from the Bajaur operation highlights the limitations of a purely militarised strategy. The concept of “securitisation”, treating military action as the default response to threats, often underestimates the human and social costs involved.
The displacement of over 100,000 people in Bajaur reveals the real costs of conflict. Camps for the displaced are overcrowded, under-resourced, and unsanitary. Families arrive with few belongings, and traditional community structures struggle to endure.

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These conditions echo global patterns of displacement, where sustainable solutions require long-term planning, inclusive development, and humanitarian foresight. International experiences—from EU refugee responses to IOM strategies—emphasize the need to integrate security measures with social and economic policies.
Relief efforts following such operations have been modest. The limited financial aid from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government falls short of addressing the scale of displacement. Furthermore, a lack of coordination between federal and provincial authorities often leads to inefficiencies and confusion, undermining broader state objectives.
Counterinsurgency efforts that focus exclusively on military goals are inherently limited. Long-term peace depends on addressing the deeper drivers of instability: poor governance, political exclusion, lack of opportunity, and public disillusionment. Programs for education, job creation, deradicalization, and reintegration of former combatants are essential steps toward lasting peace.

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The people of Bajaur have shown remarkable resilience through decades of conflict. However, resilience should not be confused with contentment. Their dignity, safety, and trust must be central to any future strategy. Civilian welfare must be a priority—not an afterthought—in both policy and practice.
If the state is to break the cycle of conflict, it must take clear responsibility for protecting its citizens, building trust, and addressing root causes of unrest. Only through such a comprehensive approach can Pakistan hope to achieve durable peace in its most sensitive regions.
Amir Hamza is a student at Bahria University, Islamabad.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.