Bajaur was a part of FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Area) until the twenty fifth amendment according to the constitution of Pakistan. It became part of KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) on 31st May 2018 for its stability and sustainability. The area was historically a center spot for military operations to deal with terrorism, predominantly with the emergence of militant group TTP (Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan) in Pakistan. The members of Bajaur Amn Jirga and the influential individuals of TTP tried to spread peace in the region through negotiations. A third round of talks happened on Sunday, 3rd August 2025 that resulted in temporary ceasefire and set on the conflicts between TTP and Bajaur. The agreements between tribal elders and TTP leaders to a ceasefire in Bajaur were a welcome step toward restoring peace and stability in the region. While challenges remain, this development offers a window for meaningful engagement and long-term peace building.
Negotiations between Bajaur Amn Jirga and TTP
Bajaur has been in negotiation phase with TTP due to militant aggression like bombing on July 2, 2025. In the act of violence, senior officials of Khar, Bajaur were killed. There are majorly three rounds of dialogues between TTP and Bajaur Peace Jirga to ease the problem.
i. First Round of Negotiations between Bajaur Amn Jirga and TTP
Initial negotiation between TTP and Bajaur jirga took place in Mamond Tehsil specifically at Jamia Masjid Zagai on Friday, 2 August 2025. In the meeting, members of Bajaur Peace Jirga along with consultation of FC (Frontier Corps) in Bajaur Scouts Headquarters and TTP leadership participated. They decided to return the armed groups back to Afghanistan or displace them to the mountains in case of long-lasting hostility. In the proceedings, TTP demanded time extension to discuss the terms of meetings with its leadership. They approved to uphold ceasefire during the demanded period and ongoing talks until the second round of negotiation on Saturday.
ii. Second Round of Negotiations between Bajaur Amn Jirga and TTP
The second round of negotiation between TTP and Bajaur jirga again took place in Mamond Tehsil on Saturday, 3 August 2025. TTP showed its response in the form of giving up civilian vicinity on the demand of no military operations there. The provisional acknowledgment of TTP also included endurances of a safe passage for militants to mountainous regions or Afghanistan.
On the other hand, Bajaur Jirga demanded complete surrender of militants or their relocation in a written contract to avoid upcoming disobediences like violation of 2022 Swat ceasefire.
On national level, government and military of Pakistan just allowed the talks without their direct involvement and favored TTP’s complete disarmament. In this way, the second round of negotiation leads towards its third round.
iii. Third Round of Negotiations between Bajaur Amn Jirga and TTP
Similarly, the final third round of peace negotiation between TTP leadership like its operational commander Maulana Ilyas Muhajir and Bajaur peace Jirga, including its head Sahibzada Haroon Rashid, took place on Sunday, 3rd August 2025 in Lowi Mamund. The peace talks continued seven hours till Magrib prayer and resulted in ceasefire in anticipation of the clash setting on through discussions.
During the discussion, TTP leadership agreed conditionally on the pre-discussed demand of Saturday regarding depart from civilian vicinity and returning of militants to Afghanistan or mountains.
The local community of the area demanded the officials not to vacant a security check-post in Salarzai tehsil for their safety of lives. Meanwhile, a JUI-F leader (Maulana Abdur Rashid) advocated for socio-economic development, Islamic law implementation and dialogues to prevent events like Khar bombing that was marked by 64 murdered and 122 injured. The formal procedure was completed with tribute to victims at Madressah Jamia Rashidia bombing.
The ceasefire contract between tribal elders and TTP leaders in Bajaur is a welcome step toward restoring regional peace and stability. The military operations in Bajaur to deal with terrorism highlighted the region. The members of Bajaur Amn Jirga and the influential individuals of TTP tried to spread peace in the region. A third round of talks happened on Sunday, 3rd August 2025 that resulted in temporary ceasefire and set on the conflicts between TTP and Bajaur. The round of dialogues a peace agreement can ensure peace as there were public uprising in July 2025 in different. These fragile advancements in ceasefire and peace efforts recommend an important pathway for meetings and peace-promoting efforts. This is possible as long as all stakeholders and the state commend to a persistent procedure. By acquiring all pre-requisites of peace, Bajaur can sustain its harmony and stability.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are exclusively those of the author and do not reflect the official stance, policies, or perspectives of the Platform.
