Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday clarified that there is no military operation underway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tirah Valley. He said recent reports suggesting mass migration due to military action were disinformation.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Ikhtiar Wali Khan, Khawaja Asif emphasized that migration from the valley is a routine winter practice. He explained that residents near the Afghan border have followed this seasonal pattern for many years.
The minister noted that around 400–500 members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan had been living in Tirah with their families. He stressed that the armed forces deployed in the area are not involved in migration arrangements. Instead, the process is coordinated between the provincial government and local jirgas, with a Rs4 billion support package approved for migrating residents.
Kh Asif said that a military operation in Tirah had been conducted years ago. However, intelligence-based operations (IBOs) are now considered more effective, with less collateral damage. As a result, armed forces have refrained from full-scale military actions in the valley in recent years.
The defence minister also highlighted the lack of civilian infrastructure in Tirah Valley. He criticized the provincial government for the absence of hospitals, schools, and police stations. He added that agreements had been made with local jirgas to establish girls’ schools, hospitals, and police stations to improve law enforcement and public services.
Khawaja Asif reiterated that migration in Tirah is a normal seasonal practice and not linked to any new military operation. He urged the public and media to rely on verified information to avoid spreading disinformation about security developments in the area.
In other news read more about: National Assembly Recommends Government-Funded Hajj Travel for Lawmakers, Sparks Debate
With these clarifications, officials aim to calm fears among residents and ensure that the seasonal migration process continues smoothly. The government continues to monitor the valley and provide support to the people during the winter months.
