ISLAMABAD: The government and ISPR on Sunday rejected claims that Tirah Valley is being depopulated on the Army’s orders, saying no such directive has been issued, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has issued a notification for relief preparedness in view of an anticipated temporary and voluntary movement of people from certain localities of Tirah (Bagh).
In a statement issued through the official X account of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the government said assertions circulating on social media and other platforms were baseless and aimed at creating public alarm, spreading disinformation against security institutions and advancing vested political interests.
The statement said law enforcement agencies were carrying out routine, targeted and intelligence-based operations strictly against terrorist elements, adding that these were conducted with full care to avoid disruption to civilian life. “No depopulation or forced migration is required or being undertaken,” it added.
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It said that residents of Tirah Valley were themselves increasingly concerned over the presence of ‘Khwarij’ militants and desired peace and stability in the area.
ISPR maintained that law enforcement agencies are carrying out routine, intelligence-based operations (IBOs) strictly against terrorist elements, with full care to avoid disruption to peaceful civilian life, adding that there is no need for any population displacement or migration for such operations.
It further noted that the local population has been increasingly concerned over the presence of “Khwarij” and desires peace and stability in Tirah.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Department issued a notification on December 26, 2025, reportedly releasing Rs4 billion for advance preparedness and relief-related arrangements in view of an “anticipated temporary and voluntary movement” of population from certain localities of Tirah (Bagh).
The notification states that the funds are meant to facilitate transportation, food support, cash assistance, and the establishment and management of transit and registration points.
It also clarifies that, according to the Deputy Commissioner, Khyber, the proposed voluntary movement reflects the views and preferences of the local population, articulated through a representative jirga convened at the district level, taking into account seasonal, logistical and contextual considerations, and a non-camp-based modality.
The government and ISPR stressed that any statement by provincial officials linking the said movement to the armed forces is false and fabricated, and aimed at gaining political capital while maligning security institutions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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