‘Baseless and malicious’: Govt rejects claims of army-ordered depopulation in Tirah

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has categorically rejected claims regarding the “depopulation” of Tirah Valley on the orders of the Pakistan Army or the federal government, terming such assertions as baseless and malicious.

In a press release, the government stated that no directives for depopulation have been issued by the federal government or the armed forces. The ministry clarified that Law Enforcement Agencies are conducting routine, intelligence-based operations strictly targeting terrorist elements while ensuring minimal disruption to civilian life. It further noted that the local population, concerned by the presence of “Khwarij” (terrorists), remains desirous of peace and stability in the region.

Clarifying the ongoing situation, the centre said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Relief, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Department issued a notification on December 26, 2025, for the release of around Rs4 billion.

READ MORE: What people of Tirah facing unacceptable, says Afridi

These funds are intended for the “anticipated temporary and voluntary movement” of people from specific localities in Tirah (Bagh), “and has requested facilitation of advance preparedness and relief-related arrangements including transportation, food support, cash assistance, and establishment and management of transit and registration points.“

The deputy commissioner of Khyber reported that this movement reflects the preferences of the local population, as articulated through a representative district-level jirga.

The ministry emphasised that any claims by the KP government or its representative linking this migration to the armed forces are fabricated and intended to gain political capital by maligning security institutions. The government termed such disinformation “highly regrettable” and driven by ulterior motives to create public alarm.

Even though the information ministry has not mentioned it but the statement has ostensibly been made in response to KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s remarks on January 15, wherein he said the current military operation in Tirah and the decision to forcibly evacuate people is made in closed rooms and is not aimed at eliminating terrorism but at fulfilling political ambitions.

“Tirah is my home. Those people are mine. What is being orchestrated there today is merely a failed attempt to turn my people against me simply because I have stood firm in my stance. InshaAllah, our government will not fall short in resolving all the issues of our people. This is the promise I have made to my nation, and InshaAllah, I will prove it,” he had stated.

During his visit to Tirah Valley, Chief Minister Afridi met the affectees of the recent Tirah operation and listened to their grievances. The chief minister had issued on-the-spot directives for the immediate resolution of their problems.

Addressing the affectees, he had said that what the people of Tirah were facing was completely unacceptable. Despite repeated failures, decisions were still being taken behind closed doors. “After 22 major and nearly 14,000 small military operations, what guarantee is there that peace will now be established?” he had asked.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) cautioned the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments that the ongoing situation facing families displaced from Tirah Valley ahead of a military operation risks escalating into a humanitarian crisis.

“Thousands have been reportedly stranded for days in sub-zero temperatures, with children, women, elderly persons and the sick exposed to severe cold without adequate shelter, food, water or medical assistance.

“While rescue efforts are ongoing, these must be scaled up urgently to evacuate vulnerable groups, clear access routes and deliver winterised relief,” it added.