Voices for Peace: Bajaur’s Call for Unity and Justice – Aman Pasoon 2025.

g.The sun had barely risen over the rugged hills of Bajaur when the district began to stir with an uncommon energy. By mid-morning, the main Khar-Nawagai Road was transformed into a sea of white flags, as thousands of residents—men, women, elders, and youth—marched in unison for the Aman Pasoon, or Peace Procession. Shops and markets were closed, public transport halted, and the usual bustle of daily life gave way to a collective, determined silence that spoke louder than words.

This was no ordinary protest. It was the culmination of months of fear, frustration, and grief. Bajaur, once a symbol of tribal resilience, had been gripped by a resurgence of violence. Targeted killings, extortion, and bombings had returned to haunt the region, eroding the fragile peace established after years of military operations. The assassination of Maulana Khan Zeb on July 10 was the final blow. A respected religious scholar, historian, and peace advocate affiliated with the Awami National Party (ANP), Khan Zeb was gunned down near Khar while campaigning for the very peace march that now bore his memory. His death sent shockwaves through the community, galvanizing people across political and social divides to unite in a common cause.

The Aman Pasoon was organized by a coalition of political parties, civil society organizations, and tribal elders. Jamaat-e-Islami’s local chapter played a significant role in mobilizing support, with Haji Sardar Khan, the general secretary, announcing the closure of bazaars and transport services in solidarity. The decision to shift the venue from the Bajaur Sports Complex to the main Khar-Nawagai Road was strategic, ensuring maximum visibility and participation. Security arrangements were meticulously planned, with walk-through gates installed and police deployed to safeguard the peaceful demonstrators.

As the procession advanced, chants of “We want peace!” echoed through the valley. Speakers from various backgrounds addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action. They highlighted that sustainable development and prosperity in Bajaur are unattainable without lasting peace. The assassination of Khan Zeb was condemned as an attack not just on an individual, but on the very fabric of Pashtun society.

The Aman Pasoon was more than a protest; it was a reaffirmation of Bajaur’s identity and aspirations. It signaled a collective refusal to succumb to fear and a demand for accountability and justice. The participants called upon the government and security agencies to take concrete steps to eliminate militancy and restore lasting peace in the region.

As the sun set on July 13, the echoes of the procession lingered in the air, a testament to the resilience and determination of Bajaur’s people. The Aman Pasoon had not only honored the memory of Maulana Khan Zeb but had also reignited a collective hope for a future where peace and dignity prevail.

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: Participants held white flags symbolizing peace and chanted slogans demanding an end to violence and the restoration of harmony. Speakers from various political and social backgrounds addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action. They highlighted that sustainable development and prosperity in Bajaur are unattainable without lasting peace.

The Aman Pasoon served as a testament to the resilience and determination of Bajaur's residents. Despite the threats and challenges, the community stood united, sending a clear message: the people of Bajaur will not be silenced and will continue to strive for a peaceful and just society.

As the day concluded, the echoes of the procession lingered, symbolizing a renewed commitment to peace and a brighter future for Bajaur.

In the early hours of July 13, 2025, the sun rose over Bajaur, casting its golden hue on a district yearning for peace. The Bajaur Sports Complex became a beacon of hope as thousands from various walks of life—tribal elders, political leaders, youth, and civil society members—converged for the much-anticipated Aman Pasoon (Peace Procession). [

The procession was not merely a gathering but a powerful statement against the escalating violence and lawlessness that had plagued the region. Recent incidents, including targeted killings and bombings, had instilled fear among residents. The assassination of Maulana Khanzaib, a prominent ANP leader and peace advocate, just days prior, underscored the urgency of the situation.