NORTH WAZIRISTAN: To protect their families from unknown drone attacks and growing lawlessness, the people of North Waziristan are witnessing a steady outflow of its residents as to seek safer and more stable lives elsewhere in Pakistan.
The primary reasons fueling this migration are multiple ongoing problems and persistent lawlessness in the region. For years, North Waziristan has faced challenges related to security, limited economic opportunities, and inadequate infrastructure.
Frequent clashes between various armed groups and military operations have created an unstable environment, making daily life unpredictable and unsafe for many families. This atmosphere of insecurity has led to a breakdown of law and order, where criminal activities often go unchecked, further adding to the hardships faced by the local population.
In addition to safety concerns, the lack of basic facilities such as quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities has left many feeling hopeless about their future in the area. Young people, especially, are eager to move to larger cities or more peaceful regions where they can pursue education and work without fear.
Interviews with several displaced families reveal a shared sentiment — the decision to leave is driven not only by immediate threats but also by the desire for a better quality of life. Many have relocated to urban centres like Peshawar, Islamabad, and Karachi, hoping to rebuild their lives and secure a stable future for their children.
Local authorities and community leaders acknowledge these challenges and emphasise the need for focused efforts to restore peace and development in North Waziristan. Without addressing the root causes of unrest and improving living conditions, the trend of migration is likely to continue, resulting in significant demographic and social changes in the region.
Noor Aslam, a resident of the North Waziristan district, told Pakhtun Digital that they have been migrated to Islamabad due to frequent terrorist attacks and other criminal activities. Besides this, he said that lack of electricity and severe power outages have made their lives miserable, and that was the reason that they chose migration instead of staying at the mercy of an irresponsible government.
Read also: Residents of North Waziristan choose migration over staying amid multiple challenges
