PESHAWAR: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Khyber Ameer, Shah Faisal Afridi, issued a dire warning on Saturday regarding an unfolding Tirah Valley humanitarian crisis.
Speaking to the media at the Peshawar Press Club today, he urged the federal and provincial governments to intervene immediately to prevent a large-scale tragedy.
Thousands Stranded in Heavy Snow
Mr. Afridi revealed that thousands of people, forming long convoys of vehicles, remain trapped in deep snow while attempting to migrate. He accused the three primary stakeholders conducting operations in the valley of abandoning the public on snow-covered roads.
“A major human tragedy is taking root in Tirah amidst this record snowfall,” he stated. He added that the victims feel helpless as no one answers their cries for assistance. He specifically criticized the government for forcing migration despite knowing the severe weather forecasts.
Death Toll and Lack of Facilities
The JI leader confirmed the tragic death of three children due to the extreme cold. Currently, 60 percent of Tirah’s population remains besieged within their homes by the snow.
He highlighted a total absence of relief, stating that those stranded on icy paths have no access to food, medicine, or rescue services. Mr. Afridi slammed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), declaring both institutions “complete failures” in the face of this emergency.
Allegations of Neglect and Corruption
The JI leader leveled sharp criticism against the provincial administration. He alleged that while people freeze, some individuals claim to be spokespersons or close relatives of Chief Minister Suhail Afridi to exploit the situation for personal gain.
“This is not the time for provincial officials to engage in looting and corruption,” Mr. Afridi remarked. He noted that the provincial cabinet released funds for the Tirah operation, yet the government has left the people to suffer alone in these harsh conditions.
Despite the Chief Minister’s claims of owning the region, Mr. Afridi argued that the provincial head has failed to play his due role. He made a formal request to both the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal governments to step forward and save the people of Tirah from a looming catastrophe.
He demanded immediate rescue operations and the provision of essential supplies to the besieged population.
