Pakistan: South Waziristan Protest Intensifies Over Alleged Drone Strike

Peshawar (Shamim Shahid) — A protest over an alleged drone strike intensified in Pakistan's Upper South Waziristan district on Sunday, while a Special Branch police officer was shot dead by unidentified militants in Buner district in a separate incident.

According to local sources, hundreds of tribesmen from villages across Upper South Waziristan gathered at Allah Jan Kot, located on the road linking Ladha, Wana, and Tank, where they launched a sit-in protest against the alleged drone strike.

Protesters blocked all major roads in the area, disrupting transportation and daily life across the district, which borders Afghanistan and the neighboring tribal district of North Waziristan.

Earlier reports said that Muhammad Nawaz Nazar Khel was killed in the alleged drone strike, while four members of his family sustained critical injuries. The injured were shifted to the Headquarters Hospital in Ladha for treatment.

According to the latest reports, the victim's relatives, tribal elders, and a large number of local residents have continued their sit-in outside the Sam Brigade.

Eyewitnesses said protesters dug trenches across several sections of the main Ladha-Wana-Tank highway, bringing traffic to a complete halt. They also blocked the road leading to the Sam Brigade.

Witnesses further said a grave for Muhammad Nawaz Nazar Khel was dug in the middle of the road leading to the brigade. However, as of the latest reports, he had not yet been buried, and demonstrators continued their protest while demanding action.

No official statement has been issued by the relevant authorities regarding the alleged drone strike or the ongoing protest. The security situation in the area remains tense.

Special Branch Officer Shot Dead in Buner

In a separate incident, Assistant Sub-Inspector Miskeen Zada of the Special Branch Police was shot dead by unidentified militants in the village of Totalai, Khadikhel tehsil, Buner district, on Sunday morning.

According to eyewitnesses and relatives, Miskeen Zada was performing routine duty in the Damazai area along Swabi Road when armed assailants opened fire, killing him at the scene before fleeing.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Following the killing, hundreds of local residents gathered outside the police station to protest the incident.

Residents said armed militants have been active in the area for several days, blocking roads and intimidating civilians. According to locals, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel have launched operations to dislodge the militants following public demands, but no arrests have been reported so far.