PESHAWAR – A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Tirah Valley as conflicting statements from government officials clash with the reality of a massive civilian displacement.
While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi maintains that no military operation is underway, thousands of families continue to flee the region under the shadow of state-sanctioned logistics.
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Contradicting Narratives on Military Action
Governor Kundi recently asserted that the federal government has no intention of launching an operation in Tirah. Instead, he shifted the blame onto the provincial KP government, accusing them of forcing residents to migrate without cause. Kundi has challenged critics to produce any formal notification regarding a military offensive.
However, this denial stands in stark contrast to previous public records. Observers point out that:
- The Defense Minister explicitly announced an operation during a National Assembly session.
- The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spokesperson previously hinted at military action during media briefings.
- Official Registration is currently underway, with the government providing transport and financial aid to displaced families—actions that typically precede military engagement.
Also Read: Khyber Peace Jirga: The Promise of Peace Amid Echoes Of The Past
A Forced Exodus Amid Harsh Winter
The displacement is far from “routine.” While partial migration due to heavy snowfall is a yearly occurrence in Tirah, the scale of this year’s movement is unprecedented. Currently, 70% of the population has already fled, leaving only 30% behind due to the severity of the weather.
The resumption of snowfall has temporarily blocked tracks, but as soon as paths clear, the migration continues. Residents claim they are not moving by choice but out of fear of being “crushed between two giants”—the state and militant factions.
The Credibility Gap
Critics argue that the government and security institutions are attempting to backtrack on their initial stance, leaving the public in a state of confusion. The situation presents a difficult dilemma:
- If terrorists have fled alongside the civilians, the need for an operation may have vanished, which would be a positive outcome.
- If the threat remains, the government must fulfill the responsibility for which it uprooted thousands of lives.
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The trust between the state and its citizens must not be sacrificed for political point-scoring. if people lose faith in state assurances now, they will not trust the government during future crises.
Regardless of the political blame game, the primary concern remains the dignified and timely return of the displaced residents. Whether the operation proceeds or is officially called off, the state must ensure that the “credibility of the republic” is maintained by providing clear communication and a concrete plan for rehabilitation.
