By Aishma Gul
“Every tribesman has a sword, a rifle, and a prayer mat. He is a soldier, a priest, and a cultivator at once.”
— Winston Churchill, “The Story of the Malakand Field Force” (1898)
Churchill’s description of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s people a century ago — warriors, stewards of the faith, and guardians of the soil — rings eerily true today. Pakistan’s northwestern frontier has been a crucible of conflict for decades, defining its identity through struggle. Yet in recent months, a new narrative has emerged: ordinary citizens are no longer passive victims of terrorism but defenders of their communities. From the turbulent valleys of Waziristan to the wide plains of Bannu, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are acting out a new edition of Churchill’s archetype, exchanging swords for defiance and prayer mats for collective determination. What was once a colonial-era survival skill has become a modern-day uprising against extremism, their collective resistance. How has this response from the ground level altered the security landscape, and what does it mean for Pakistan’s fight against extremism?
Community Mobilization- A New Chapter in Public Security
Recent news highlights a multifaceted campaign of resistance by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s public against terrorist groups in the region.
Unified Resistance Across Regions:
In Laki Marwat, Waziristan, Tirah, Bannu, Karam, and Karak, local communities have organized practical resistance initiatives. Their message is clear: they will not allow terrorism in their regions, public circles have announced.
Direct Engagement in Security Operations:
Captain Husnain Akhtar from Jhelum was martyred in a recent operation in the Dera Ismail Khan area, where 10 Khawarij militants were gunned down, underscoring the tangible risks involved. Alongside security forces, citizens have repeatedly taken up arms to safeguard police stations and other critical infrastructures—recorded at nearly nine distinct interventions this year alone.
Local Self-Defense Measures:
In Karak, a meeting of Peace Committee members showcased explicit support for security forces, while in the Tirah Valley residents courageously intervened to save a government official along with his family from a Taliban siege attempt. As seen in Karam, Laki Marwat, Bannu and Waziristan, where the youth are rising in a coordinated public defense of their tribal culture, the axis of fear has shifted from fear to active resistance.
How Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Communities Are Breaking Terrorism’s Grip
Terrorist organizations such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have always depended on terror and secrecy to maintain control of communities. But across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, everyday citizens are fighting back using tactics that target the heart of militant strategies.
1. Transforming Poverty and Fear into Resistance
Desperation is often exploited by militants. According to a study conducted in 2012, 68% of TTP’s former militants joined the extremist group due to peer pressure or poverty. Now, villages are flipping this script.
In Karak, tribal councils (jirgas) proclaim militants to be “enemies of Pashtunwali” — the traditional Pashtun code of honour. This public shaming has rendered recruitment socially toxic. Communities are proving that cultural pride can be a shield against extremism.
2. Digital Vigilance: Using WhatsApp as a Weapon
While militants hide in remote areas, KP’s residents use everyday technology to protect their homes. In Laki Marwat, villagers pass on encrypted WhatsApp alerts about suspicious activity, such as strangers or unmarked vehicles.
This grassroots intelligence network produced tangible results. These local tips have resulted in recent arrests of 12 militants in the area, including a TTP commander who was identified using pictures shared by residents.
3. Decrease in Terrorist Activities
The participation of ordinary people in security forces has helped in lowering fear and has undermined the operational capabilities of terrorist outfits. As defense experts said, this united front is a “major defeat for Fitna al-Khawarij” and it carries a clear message to all extremist groups that local populations will not accept any form of terrorism.
4. Positive Ripple Effects
Beyond immediate security, the proactive stance of Pakhtunkhwa’s citizens is fostering a sense of communal pride and resilience. The visible partnership between the public and the security forces, not only improves operational efficiency but also serves as a model for a new wave of conflict resolution driven by the community.
5. Psychological Blow to the Militants
As defense analysts point out, when communities turn against extremists, militants lose their social camouflage, which demoralizes their ranks and isolates them.
Voices From the Field: Official Statements and Local Sentiments
After a police check post was attacked in Bannu during midnight operations on March 14 and 15, residents declared, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with police. These are times of chaos, and we will end this chaos at all costs. We stand with the police.” This emphatic declaration shows the community’s resolve to defend their land, no matter the cost.
– Clear Directives Against Extremism:
This was confirmed by security sources in Laki Marwat who stated that residents exchanged fire with Khawarij militants and drove them from a mosque when they tried to enter during Isha prayers. The fully supported local approach was later formalized through an order issued by the DPO of Laki Marwat, reiterating institutional backing for community-based initiatives.
Several new perspectives can be gained from the Pakhtunkhwa military’s public and proactive approach toward security:
1. Enhanced Deterrence
Extremist groups face greater difficulty in executing their plans when communities are involved in security and fight against extremist ideology in the country. Not surprisingly, citizen-led resistance became increasingly a potent deterrent to terrorism and a denier of safe havens for these militants.
2. Strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation
The seamless collaboration between residents and security forces reinforces institutional legitimacy and operational efficiency. This model of civil-military synergy can serve as an example for other regions facing similar threats.
3. Empowerment of the Community and Sustainability
Local populations are inherently ensuring their safety in the short run, but they are also helping to usher in a cultural shift toward self-sufficiency and resiliency. Future policy efforts should work to institutionalize community engagement through local councils and joint internal audits with law enforcement agencies.
The Unbroken Chain of Courage
The defiance of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not unprecedented — it’s a revival. From the Battle of Ambela to the siege of Khojri, its people have repeatedly opted for unity instead of submission. As reflected in several instances, from the defense of critical infrastructure in Dera Ismail Khan to the organized resistance in Tirah, Karak, and Bannu— the local population is indeed leading the way to build a safer and more resilient society. This citizen engagement model not only disrupts terrorist activities but also reinforces the professionalism and dedication of Pakistan’s security forces. The next step will be to institutionalize these efforts, using policy support and structured collaboration to ensure long-term peace and stability.
(24th March 2025)