Chitral, a picturesque region in northern Pakistan, has witnessed a heartwarming demonstration of unity as its citizens and the Armed Forces join hands to protect their nation with its armed forces.
Chitral comprises high-altitude valleys nestled in the Hindu Kush Mountains and is currently divided into Upper and Lower Chitral districts. To the east, it shares borders with the Afghan provinces of Kunar, Nuristan, and Badakhshan. Notably, a narrow strip of Afghan territory acts as a barrier, separating Chitral from China and Tajikistan, underscoring the region’s strategic significance.
On the morning of September 6, the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) attacked checkpoints placed in multiple border areas of Chitral district, the tourist centre of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the largest by area, while some militants slipped through two or three additional routes. As a result, four security personal were martyred in the initial attack, and 12 to 14 attackers were targeted in retaliation. Expressing a strong reaction to this action, Pakistan sent its troops to Chitral within hours to repel the attackers so that this serene valley can be secured. The forces started operations in different areas as a result of which half a dozen more attackers were killed and a dozen were injured on September 9. According to the local administration and public circles, normal life has been restored in the district and people consider themselves safe afterwords.
Later on September 8, a Jirga of Chitral and Swat notables and elders, at Darosh Fort, pledged that the people of Chitral, particularly the youth, were ready to fight alongside the Pakistan Army and security forces. They condemned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s terrorism and voiced sympathy with the Pakistan Army. The participants paid assured to the Chitral Scouts’ security officers that the local people would support them. The people of Chitral had come out in support of the Pakistan Army, assisting in the transportation of guns, ammunition, and food to army posts at high attitude.
What distinguishes this outstanding act is the brave citizens of Chitral’s determination to fight along with the Pakistan Army whenever needed. Their willingness to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces reflects a common commitment to ensure the region’s peace and security. Despite security fears, life in Chitral has mostly remained untouched. All schools, universities, hospitals, and markets remained open and running normally. Additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed to enhance security measures, and joint police and FC checkpoints have were erected to safeguard the region’s population.
On the other hand, there have been reports that this campaign had support and patronage of the Afghan government behind the scenes or some important people in it, as the official Afghan government still refuses to acknowledge this, that their land is being openly used against Pakistan.
The day when Chitral was attacked, there was a clash between the Afghan forces and the Pakistani forces at Torkham on the Pakistan-Afghan border, as a result of which not only many people were killed, but also the border (crossing point) was closed as a response. The Afghan government also expressed strong reaction and concern on this initiative, but Pakistan also took a strict attitude and due to this not only trade was affected but also general traffic was completely stopped. Resultantly, the terrorist have to drop their weaponry and ran back cowardly seeing the joint venture of the residents of Chitral with its security forces.
