Migration from Tirah Due to Snowfall, Not Military Operation: Khawaja Asif

**Islamabad (Qudrat Daily):** Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif has clarified that the ongoing migration of people from Tirah Valley is due to heavy snowfall and harsh winter conditions, and not because of any military operation.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad alongside Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Ikhtiar Wali and others, Khawaja Asif said that seasonal migration from Tirah is a centuries-old practice. He explained that every year, residents of the valley temporarily move to safer areas during severe winter weather.

He said that prior to the migration, a successful jirga was held between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and elders of Tirah, after which a formal notification was issued. He stressed that this migration has no connection with any Pakistan Army operation, accusing the provincial government of shifting blame for its own failures onto the army and the federal government.

The defence minister noted that similar seasonal migration takes place in all border valleys connected with Afghanistan due to heavy snowfall. He added that people usually leave one or two family members behind while others relocate temporarily, calling it a natural and historical process documented even in British-era gazetteers.

Khawaja Asif further stated that a jirga held on December 11, attended by 12 to 13 tribal elders, also engaged with representatives of the provincial government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Following negotiations, a migration package was agreed upon, and relevant documents are available on record. Despite this, he said, efforts are being made to portray the migration as a crisis.

He emphasized that the army and other security institutions have no role in this process, noting that military operations in the area ended years ago after the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). He pointed out the lack of basic facilities such as hospitals, schools and police stations in the area, despite prior commitments made with the jirga.

The minister alleged that around 12,000 acres of land in the region are used for hemp cultivation, generating significant profits that benefit influential political figures or militant groups. He said the federal government aims to establish state writ and basic services, which is being resisted by vested interests.

Khawaja Asif accused certain elements within the provincial government of having links with the TTP and politicizing the issue to conceal administrative failures. He reiterated that while intelligence-based operations would continue, there is no large-scale military action underway in Tirah.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar cited British-era records from 1880, confirming that Afridi and Akakhel tribes historically migrated from Tirah during winters. He said climate change has only delayed the migration this year.

Prime Minister’s Coordinator Ikhtiar Wali questioned how much relief actually reached the affected people from the Rs 4 billion package announced by the provincial government, adding that according to the deputy commissioner, the migration is voluntary and unrelated to the army or federal authorities.

Concluding the press conference, Khawaja Asif said ensuring peace, facilities and relief for the people of Tirah is primarily the responsibility of the provincial government, while the federal government remains ready to extend full support.