In the Mir Ali district of North Waziristan, locals have entered the seventh day of a sit-in protest, expressing outrage over a suspected drone strike that allegedly resulted in the deaths of four children. The tragic incident, which occurred on May 19 in Hurmuz village, has galvanized the community, who are now threatening to escalate their actions with a long march to Islamabad if their demands remain unmet.
The drone strike is said to have injured five others, including a woman, prompting local leaders to call for accountability and justice. Despite discussions between tribal elders and law enforcement, no resolution has been reached, leading to an ongoing blockade of internet and mobile services in the area—a move that protesters claim is an attempt to stifle their voices.
In a statement released by the Mir Ali sit-in committee, protest organizers outlined their demands, which include a thorough judicial inquiry into the drone strike, state support for the victims’ families, and a complete cessation of drone operations in the region. The protesters have vowed to march toward Islamabad on May 26, 2025, beginning from the site of their protest, moving through various towns before reaching the capital.
The planned route will see the march proceeding from Mir Ali through Bannu Bazaar and Township Chowk, culminating at Domel Highway Chowk, where additional supporters are expected to join. After an overnight stop in Peshawar, the demonstrators will continue to Islamabad, passing through Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, and Swabi along the way.
The protesters emphasize their commitment to peaceful demonstrations, stating that their march represents a significant step in their ongoing fight against injustice and oppression. Their statement articulates a belief in the power of collective action to awaken national consciousness regarding the plight of civilians in conflict zones.
Meanwhile, the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has denied responsibility for the incident, claiming it was perpetrated by the banned group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The ISPR has characterized accusations against the military as baseless and part of a disinformation campaign aimed at undermining their operations against terrorism.
As tensions escalate in Mir Ali, the community remains resolute in its demands for justice, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and accountability in the wake of tragic events that continue to impact civilian lives in the region.
