Tens of thousands of people have recently left the Tirah Valley in northwestern Pakistan due to warnings from mosques about potential military action against Islamist militants. Residents have moved to nearby towns despite harsh winter conditions, including heavy snowfall. Gul Afridi, a local shopkeeper, confirmed his family’s departure prompted by these announcements. Local officials reported that many families have fled and are being registered for assistance in nearby towns.
The Tirah Valley is known for its security issues and has been a stronghold for the militant group Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. The Pakistani government has not officially announced an evacuation or a military operation. However, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif denied any planned operations, suggesting that the movement was simply seasonal due to winter conditions. In contrast, a military source indicated that the decision for civilians to leave was based on consultations about the threat posed by militants.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi stated that his government was not informed about any military plans, describing the situation as being handled without provincial input. He dismissed claims that residents were leaving voluntarily, asserting that they were being displaced under the guise of security operations.
Residents have rejected the idea that the cold alone caused the evacuation, stating they left due to the announcements. They described the difficult journey, with food shortages and treacherous roads, making their escape challenging. Many families faced severe hardships along the way. The Tirah Valley was previously highlighted in September due to a deadly explosion, which raised concerns over civilian safety amidst ongoing militant threats.
With information from Reuters
