The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Bajaur, Saeedullah Jan, has released updated figures on temporarily displaced citizens in the district, revealing that a total of 9,132 people are currently sheltering in government and private schools and colleges. These include 1,976 men, 2,015 women, and 5,141 children, spread across 116 educational institutions.

In addition, 434 families, comprising 2,497 individuals, are residing in the sports stadium camp. Authorities further disclosed that around 20,000 families have shifted to relatives’ homes, with registration and data compilation still underway.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has reiterated its support for a targeted operation in Bajaur, stating that the offensive was launched after peace talks with militants failed. During a provincial cabinet meeting, it was decided that each affected family will receive PKR 50,000 in compensation, along with an additional PKR 25,000 upon return.

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Commissioner Malakand Division, Abid Wazir, confirmed that an operation is ongoing against 800 militants within a population of approximately 300,000, resulting in the displacement of around 40,000 locals. He added that accommodation arrangements for the displaced have been finalized, with tent villages set up in 107 government buildings and the sports complex in Khar, where basic necessities are being provided.

According to official sources, nearly 300 militants are active in two areas of Mamond tehsil in Bajaur, while over 350 are present in Khyber district—more than 80 percent of them Afghan nationals. The operation began after a peace jirga between local elders and militants collapsed. The jirga had presented three key demands, including the evacuation of militants from the area, which the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) refused to accept.

The provincial Home Department has issued a notification imposing a complete curfew during the three-day operation, from 11:00 AM on August 11 to 11:00 AM on August 14, in the following areas: Laghrai, Gwati, Ghanam Shah, Bad Siah, Kamar, Amanta, Zagai, Gundai, Garigal, Neeg Kali, Regei, Dag, Damadola, Sultan Beg, Chotra, Shen Kot, Gang, Jowar, Inaam Khoro, Changei, Anga, Safri, Bar Gatkai, Kharki, Shakru, and Bagro. Movement of residents on roads or outside their homes will be strictly prohibited during this period.

Sources reported that gunship helicopters have shelled suspected militant hideouts in Mamond over the past two days. Meanwhile, another peace jirga convened in Bajaur today to formulate a strategy following allegations that civilians were targeted during the operation. After funeral prayers for those killed, their families placed the bodies on the road in protest.