PESHAWAR – The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has formally challenged the federal government’s portrayal of recent displacements in the Tirah Valley, emphasizing that “depopulation” was a result of sudden security operations conducted without provincial consultation.
In a letter addressed to Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Shafiullah Jan, Special Assistant to the CM, clarified that a provincial notification issued on December 26, 2025, was a measure of humanitarian preparedness, not an endorsement of open-ended military action.
Lack of Civilian Oversight
The KP government maintains that the movement of civilians in Tirah followed “short-notice evacuation directions” issued by security forces. These orders, according to the letter, were implemented under harsh weather conditions without the prior knowledge of elected stakeholders or the provincial administration.
“Security operations, when not embedded within a broader political, economic, and social framework, often generate unintended consequences,” the letter stated. The provincial leadership argued that such “top-down” approaches risk aggravating local grievances and providing oxygen to extremist narratives.
Financial and Constitutional Strain
A central point of contention remains the Action in Aid of Civil Power framework. The KP government highlighted a disconnect where federal authorities initiate operations, but the provincial treasury is left to foot the bill for relief, rehabilitation, and compensation.
“In the absence of effective federal arrangements, the Provincial Government has been compelled to bear these costs on humanitarian grounds,” the correspondence noted.
A Call for Political Ownership
Citing the Aman Jirga resolution recently adopted by the Provincial Assembly, KP officials reiterated that sustainable peace requires:
- Civilian-led governance and dialogue.
- Community participation in security decisions.
- Constitutional balance between federal actions and provincial responsibilities.
The letter concluded by urging the federal ministry to ensure that public communications regarding sensitive security matters reflect the “ground realities” and the collective will of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
