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Pakistani Government Denies Forced Depopulation in Tirah Valley Amid Military Operations

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistani government on Sunday dismissed claims that residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tirah Valley are being forcibly displaced ahead of a military operation against militants.

The Ministry of Information said the reports circulating on social media and some local outlets are “baseless and malicious.”

“No directive has been issued by the federal government or the armed forces for the depopulation of Tirah,” a ministry spokesperson said. “Law enforcement agencies are conducting targeted, intelligence-based operations strictly against terrorist elements while taking full care to avoid disrupting civilian life.”

The clarification follows concerns raised after the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced that military operations in the valley had displaced hundreds of people, with many facing harsh conditions due to heavy snowfall and severe winter weather.

The ministry noted that local communities have themselves expressed concern over the presence of militants, known locally as khawarij, and are seeking peace and stability. “The voluntary movement of residents in certain areas is being coordinated based on the preferences of the local population,” the spokesperson said, adding that a representative jirga had been convened to consult the community.

Earlier, the provincial Relief, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Department of KP released Rs4 billion for relief measures, including transportation, food, cash assistance, and the establishment of transit and registration points for those who choose to temporarily relocate.

“These arrangements are for voluntary movement, not forced evacuation,” the ministry stressed.

Acting on-ground reports indicate that while some residents have moved to safer locations, the majority are staying put. “We want to ensure our people’s safety during ongoing operations, but no one is being forced to leave their homes,” said a senior official.

The Ministry of Information reiterated that protecting civilians remains a top priority while security forces continue operations against militant elements.