1. Operation Sarbakaf Begins in Bajaur
On July 29, 2025, Pakistan’s army launched Operation Sarbakaf in the Mamund tehsil of Bajaur district—a region bordering Afghanistan notorious for militant activity. Security forces deployed helicopter gunships and artillery to target insurgent dens while imposing a three-day curfew across 16 villages to contain operations and maintain control.
2. Escalation and Civilian Impact
As operations intensified through early August, authorities extended the curfew across 27 areas of Mamund. Approximately 100,000 individuals (around 20,000 families) were displaced, seeking refuge in local sports complexes, schools, and tents. Amid the offensive, a tragic mortar strike in Mamund killed two children and their mother, while two others sustained injuries. In response, villagers refused to bury the deceased until a proper investigation was launched. (turn0news23, turn0news22, turn0search24)
3. Strategic Objectives and Challenges
The stated aim of Operation Sarbakaf is to dismantle militant hideouts and restore security in this long-troubled frontier region. The operation is part of a renewed anti-TTP (Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan) campaign following increased cross-border infiltration. However, maintaining civilian safety remains a major challenge amid mountainous terrain, insurgent resistance, and growing local trauma. (turn0search24)
4. Humanitarian Response & Government Actions
To mitigate civilian hardship, the government provided Rs. 50,000 (approx. $175) per displaced family in compensation. Non-governmental groups like Al-Khidmat Foundation distributed food and basic supplies, while registration and shelter arrangements took place at the Bajaur Sports Complex. These initiatives aim to alleviate immediate suffering, but mental and logistical needs persist.
5. Broader Security Context
Operation Sarbakaf comes amid heightened militant activity across the northwest. Earlier in April, Pakistani forces engaged militants at the Afghanistan border in North Waziristan, resulting in 71 fatalities. Such operations highlight a sustained uptick in militant attacks and an adaptive security posture by the state.
Conclusion: A Critical Juncture
Pakistan’s Operation Sarbakaf marks a precarious balance between tackling extremism and protecting civilians. With large-scale displacement, increasing casualties, and strategic gains at stake, the government faces immense pressure to conduct operations with utmost care and robust rehabilitation support. As curfews lift and militants face pressure, the next days will reveal whether state authority can prevail sustainably—and compassionately—in this rugged frontier.