Defence Minister Clarifies No Military Operation in Tirah Valley; Displacement Is Seasonal

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif addressed recent concerns regarding the situation in Tirah Valley, clarifying that no military operation has taken place in the area for several years. He stated that the displacement observed is a routine, seasonal migration linked to harsh winter conditions rather than any security operation.

No Military Operation in Tirah Valley

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Ikhtiar Wali Khan, Khawaja Asif dismissed reports suggesting an ongoing military campaign. "There has been no operation in Tirah Valley for many years. These are all assumptions," he said.

Seasonal Displacement Due to Winter

The defence minister explained that migration from Tirah and other valleys along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is an annual occurrence during the winter months. "During snowfall, people migrate from valleys located along the Pak-Afghan border. Migration from the Tirah Valley also takes place every year," he noted.

Government Support and Local Consultations

Asif highlighted that the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has allocated Rs4 billion to assist families affected by this seasonal movement. He also mentioned that the relocation notification was issued after consultations between the provincial government and a local jirga, with agreements to establish schools and police stations in the area.

Security Situation and TTP Presence

The defence minister acknowledged that around 400 to 500 members of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), along with their families, reside in Tirah Valley. He confirmed that intelligence-based operations against terrorism continue but emphasized that the current displacement is unrelated to any military evacuation. "The armed forces deployed in that area have nothing to do with it," he stated.

Underlying Regional Tensions

Asif pointed out that illegal activities, such as cannabis cultivation on approximately 12,000 acres in the valley generating significant income, are a major source of tension in the region. He suggested that these issues contribute more to local disputes than security operations.

Transparency and Media Access

The defence minister expressed willingness to facilitate journalists' visits to Tirah Valley to provide an accurate portrayal of the situation on the ground. "We can take journalists to Tirah to show them the real situation," he added.