LIFE in North Waziristan is seriously hampered owing to routine restrictions imposed on people’s movement. Officially announced every week by the Deputy Commissioner, the curfew has become a regular part of life in the area.

Every Saturday and Sunday, movement is restricted from 5am to 7pm, while a night curfew from 10pm to 6am continues throughout the week. Half of the entire week is thus spent under curfew. Making things worse is the fact, curfew is some- times imposed without prior announ-cement, which causes abrupt disruptions.

These unexpected restrictions hit the hardest in the early morning hours. This is the time when students leave for schools and colleges. Many of them walk long distances and when the curfew is suddenly enforced, they have to turn back all the way. Shopkeepers and office-goers suffer the same way. Such sudden restrictions create confusion and uncertainty among the public. People are unable to plan their day, and even small tasks become difficult. Patients, too, face delays in reaching clinics or hospitals when movement is restricted without notice.

While the curfew is imposed for security reasons, its impact on daily life is heavy. The people of North Waziristan understand the need for peace and security, but there is a need to consider their struggles and make their life less difficult for them.

Fazal Wahab
North Waziristan

Published in Dawn, June 6th, 2026