ISLAMABAD: The government is considering restrictions on this year’s pine nut (chilgoza) harvesting season in North and South Waziristan due to growing security concerns and the alleged use of forested areas by militants, according to informed sources.
Sources said the proposal is under review following recent security assessments, which indicated that dense pine nut orchards and forests have allegedly been used by militants and their local facilitators to prepare improvised explosive device (IED)-laden vehicles.
According to the sources, security forces have recently prevented most attempted vehicle-borne explosive attacks in the region, with only a small number of reported attacks succeeding, resulting in comparatively limited casualties.
Officials are now examining various options regarding the upcoming pine nut harvest, balancing security requirements with the economic importance of the crop. Pine nuts are a major source of income for many families in North and South Waziristan.
Sources said authorities believe that while security forces have traditionally provided protection to enable local residents to harvest the crop safely, some individuals have allegedly exploited the same environment to assist militant groups by offering shelter or facilitating sabotage activities, including the planting of explosive devices.
The government is expected to seek assurances from local communities that they will not provide any form of support or assistance to militant groups. Officials maintain that continued cooperation between residents and state institutions would allow harvesting activities to proceed under secure conditions.
