NORTH WAZIRISTAN: Fear and uncertainty continue to grip Dattakhel tehsil here amid reports of a possible security operation, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes over the past week.

However, there is no official confirmation of an impending operation.

According to local sources, strict movement restrictions and the closure of key roads in and around Dattakhel have severely disrupted daily life, triggering a growing wave of displacement from several villages. Families have been leaving for safer areas day and night as anxiety spreads across the region.

Residents said that entry and exit routes in various parts of Dattakhel have remained blocked for days, badly affecting trade and routine activities. Markets are largely shut, while shortages of food, medicines and other essential supplies are beginning to emerge.

Resident Dawood Khan told Dawn that fear among the population was growing rapidly. “People spent the entire night transporting their families in vehicles. Some did not even have enough time to gather their belongings before leaving,” he said.

Residents questioned why civilians continued to bear the brunt of every conflict despite the heavy presence of security forces in the area.

“Every war and operation becomes a burden for poor people,” said local shopkeeper Latif.

“People are repeatedly displaced and forced to restart lives from nothing.”

Tribal elder Rauf Khan criticised elected representatives for remaining absent during such crises.

“Our MNAs and MPAs only appear during elections, but in this difficult time, they are nowhere to be seen,” he said.

The elder noted that the people of Dattakhel had already experienced repeated displacement due to militancy and military operations over the past many years, which left deep economic and psychological scars on them.

He urged the government to ensure the protection, shelter and basic needs of civilians if security measures were deemed necessary.

Affected families complained that no formal relief camps, medical facilities or food arrangements had yet been clearly established for displaced residents.

Many families, they said, were currently sheltering under the open sky or staying with relatives in nearby areas.

Official sources said security measures had been tightened following reports regarding the presence of militants in certain parts of Dattakhel. Authorities maintained that precautionary steps were necessary to protect civilians and facilitate possible counterterrorism operations.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026