No More Talks:  Inspector General of Frontier Corps rejects negotiations with terrorists

WEB DESK: The Inspector General of the Frontier Corps (North), Major-General Rao Imran Sartaj, has categorically ruled out any future negotiations with militant groups, asserting that the “doors for talks are permanently closed.”

During a high-level meeting with tribal elders from the Tirah and Bara regions at the historic Balahisar Fort, Major-General Sartaj emphasised that security forces are now fully committed to an “all-out” approach to establish the writ of the government, according to Dawn News.

While he assured the tribesmen that they would not be coerced into forming traditional lashkars (volunteer militias) or peace committees, he issued a stern warning against providing any form of sanctuary to outlawed elements.

Zero tolerance for facilitators

The FC chief delivered a blunt message to the local population, stating that any assistance, harbouring, or patronising of terrorists would no longer be tolerated.

Acknowledging the presence of armed militants in Bara for the first time, he noted with concern that certain elements within the local communities had welcomed these “undesirable elements.”

To facilitate immediate intelligence-based operations and avoid collateral damage, the Major-General ordered the urgent evacuation of the Madrasa, Dars Jumaat, and Jrandu Kalay areas in Akkakhel.

He cautioned that militants frequently use civilians as human shields, making evacuation a prerequisite for targeted strikes.

“We are committed to eliminating this menace,” he declared, “and any lax behaviour by the local population will not be tolerated.”

Development and trust building

In response to the military’s firm stance, tribal elders called for a renewed focus on trust-building, urging that residents be consulted on security and development matters to ensure the protection of lives and property.

They also highlighted the plight of displaced families from Tirah, many of whom are still awaiting promised financial assistance while living in rented accommodation in Peshawar and Bara.

Parallel to the security crackdown, Chief Secretary Sayed Shahab Ali Shah announced a comprehensive £110m (Rs17b) development package for the Tirah valley.

The plan aims to modernise the region through the construction of roads, solarisation of facilities, and the enhancement of the irrigation system.

Shah confirmed that further consultative jirgas would be held to evolve a joint strategy, ensuring that the re-emergence of militant groups is met with both military precision and socio-economic uplift.