By: Laiba Khan
On Sunday, July 25, multiple users on various social media platforms posted a video of children crouching to the ground. What seemed to be a video of the recent chaos in Tirah soon turned out to be an old video of Bannu. The video in question was shared as early as July 2024.
The misleading video gained traction shortly after a tragic incident earlier in the week, in which a young girl was reportedly killed by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) gunfire in Raghzai village, located in the Tank district. In response, local residents organized a protest, blocking the Tank–South Waziristan Road and demanded the immediate expulsion of militants from the area. However, what began as a peaceful demonstration soon spiraled out of control.
It is important to note that prior to this incident, the Qamar Khel tribe had already voiced their opposition to the presence of TTP militants during a local jirga, demanding that they vacate their areas. This had already created tensions between the tribe and the militant group, setting the stage for a potential confrontation.
After the incident an enraged mob, disregarding appeals for calm by tribal elders, set fire to an excavator stationed near the Brigade Headquarters and attempted to breach the garrison’s main gate. Amid the unrest, militants exploited the situation, opening fire from a nearby hilltop. The assault left three people dead and several others injured, further aggravating the already fragile security situation.
In the aftermath, a wave of misinformation flooded social media. The resurfacing of outdated and misrepresented footage added fuel to an already blazing fire, intensifying public emotions and sowing confusion. This incident starkly highlights the perilous impact of unverified digital content and the role of so-called “keyboard warriors” in spreading disinformation. In conflict-prone regions, such reckless dissemination not only misleads the public but also escalates tensions, undermines law enforcement efforts, and poses a direct threat to regional peace and stability.
The rapid spread of misinformation following the Tank incident is not an isolated case but part of a broader, troubling trend. In areas affected by militancy and instability, information warfare has become a parallel battleground. Misleading narratives, deliberately or carelessly circulated, are increasingly used to shape public opinion, stir unrest, and delegitimize the state’s response. The consequences are grave; misinformed citizens are more likely to respond emotionally rather than rationally, creating further obstacles for security personnel and humanitarian responders alike.
KP continues to grapple with the threat of terrorism. In 2025 alone, as of now, 742 terrorists have been killed in various intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the province. The Pakistan Army remains steadfast in its fight against terrorism and continues to carry out operations to ensure peace and stability.
In the current situation, it seems as if the provincial government is facilitating unrest instead of bringing peace, said renowned journalist Ali Akbar
Renowned journalist Ali Akbar, during a talk show on Dawn, stated that had government representatives been present at the scene, the unfortunate incident could certainly have been prevented through timely guidance. The absence of an effective provincial government and the widening communication gap between the state and its citizens are not only deepening the sense of marginalization among locals but also emboldening terrorist elements in the region.
Amidst this uncertainty, a controversial call for the withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the province within 15 days is particularly alarming. This demand comes at a time when terrorism is resurging in the area. Its timing and tone raise serious concerns, as calling for a military pullout amid escalating violence risks serving the agenda of anti-state elements. As stated by Ali Akbar, the provincial government seems to be facilitating unrest instead of bringing peace to the region.
In the face of rising militancy, growing public frustration, and a flood of disinformation, the path to peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa demands more than holistic and sustained strategy that strengthens state presence, enhances public communication, and rebuilds trust between the government and the people. Civilian leadership must rise to the occasion by reclaiming its constitutional role in governance, ensuring the timely redressal of public grievances, and working hand-in-hand with the security apparatus.
The withdrawal of the military under current conditions would not only create a dangerous power vacuum but also signal a retreat in the face of anti-state forces.
