The Pakistani military on Tuesday imposed a strict curfew across North Waziristan, severely limiting civilian movement in the restive region near the Afghan border, local sources said.
The restrictions, which went into effect early Tuesday, include a blanket ban on travel within and between towns, with even medical emergencies reportedly being denied clearance to pass through military checkpoints, according to residents.
Local sources, including community members and civil society activists, described the situation as dire. Patients and their families have been left stranded at checkpoints, with access to health services cut off. Multiple roadblocks and military inspections have paralyzed daily life in the lead-up to Eid al-Adha, they added.
“The military is not allowing anyone to move, not even those with critical medical needs,” said one resident, who asked not to be named due to fear of reprisal. “Hospitals are inaccessible, markets are closed, and people are trapped inside their homes.”
Several youth activists criticized the military’s handling of the situation, accusing security forces of punishing civilians for what they described as a failure to contain the growing wave of militant violence in the region. “This is collective punishment,” one activist said. “The state has not succeeded militarily, and now civilians are paying the price.”
North Waziristan, part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has long been a flashpoint for insurgent activity and counterterrorism operations. In recent weeks, the area has witnessed a surge in attacks targeting Pakistani security forces, leading to heightened concern among both authorities and the local population.
The military has not publicly commented on the latest curfew, but officials in recent statements have acknowledged escalating security threats in the tribal belt.
The imposition of curfews, particularly during religious holidays, is likely to exacerbate tensions in a region where relations between the military and local communities remain fraught after years of displacement, militant crackdowns, and human rights complaints.
