Lawmakers in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday voiced sharp criticism of ongoing military operations against militants in the province, labeling them “aimless” after two decades of conflict. The session, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, saw both treasury and opposition members unite in frustration over the failure to eliminate militant threats, with innocent civilians bearing the heaviest costs through displacement, collateral damage, and property losses. Main Developments Opposition JUI-F member Adnan Khan from Bannu initiated the debate, demanding the provincial government reveal “who is ruling Bannu” as the district, he claimed, is under militant control. He reported that law-enforcement agencies have closed all roads in the region, preventing locals from even burying their dead. Khan questioned the achievements of thousands of intelligence-based operations conducted since 2015, noting that militants still block highways in broad daylight. He urged the government to “have mercy on the people” and step down if unable to manage affairs effectively, adding that lawmakers themselves cannot visit their constituencies due to the alarming law and order situation in southern districts. Read also: 4 Key Takeaways as Pakistan Shifts to Daily Fuel Price Adjustments PTI MPA Shakeel Khan from Malakand Division accused parties of patronizing terrorists and proposed that both treasury and opposition lawmakers stage a sit-in outside parliament, the Supreme Court, and the General Headquarters if they genuinely seek peace. He warned that if security agencies cannot restore order, they should leave the areas, as police and local youth are capable of eliminating terrorists. PTI MPA Hamayoon Khan from Lower Dir reported that terrorists have operated openly in several districts for three months, killing three policemen and wounding around 10 at the Laram Top tourist resort. He claimed the police are under-equipped, with only an inspector leading anti-terrorist operations there. Background The debate reflects deep-seated frustration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after two decades of military operations against militants, particularly in southern districts like Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Waziristan. Since 2015, thousands of intelligence-based operations have been conducted, yet militants continue to operate with impunity, blocking highways and making TikTok videos openly, as noted by Shakeel Khan. MPA Ajab Gul from Waziristan complained that lawmakers have repeatedly raised law and order issues in the house and other forums, but their concerns have been ignored. The session underscored a growing distrust between the public and security institutions, with Adnan Khan stating that people no longer trust the military. Why It Matters The lawmakers’ unified criticism—spanning both treasury and opposition—signals a potential breakdown in political consensus on counterterrorism strategy in a province that has borne the brunt of militancy. The claim that operations are “aimless” and cause civilian suffering without eliminating militants could erode public support for security forces and fuel local grievances. If militants control districts like Bannu and operate freely in tourist areas like Laram Top, the economic and social costs—displacement, property losses, and fear—could deepen instability. The legislators’ call for security agencies to leave or face a sit-in suggests rising civilian frustration that may force policy shifts. What's Next The assembly session was adjourned until next Friday, with no immediate action taken on the lawmakers’ demands. The provincial government faces pressure to respond to the debate, potentially by reviewing operational tactics or engaging in dialogue with security agencies. Adnan Khan’s call for besieging militant hideouts, combined with Shakeel Khan’s threat of a sit-in, indicates that lawmakers may escalate protests if their concerns remain unaddressed. The coming weeks will reveal whether the government takes concrete steps to address the law and order crisis or faces further parliamentary defiance.