Tirah Operation Launched Without Provincial Consent, Says KP Chief Minister; Political Parties Reject Military Action as Solution

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has strongly criticized the launch of the operation in Tirah, alleging that it was initiated through force and coercion without taking the provincial government into confidence.

Chairing a jirga of elders and tribal leaders from Khyber district, the chief minister discussed the law and order situation in the area and the problems faced by families displaced from Tirah. Tribal elders presented their views and proposals regarding the restoration of peace and the dignified relocation of affected families.

The chief minister directed authorities to provide all possible facilities to the displaced families, assuring that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would not abandon the people of Tirah. He said the entire nation stands united in supporting those displaced from the region.

Sohail Afridi stated that all political parties and schools of thought in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are unanimous in their view that military operations are not a solution to longstanding issues. “We want the complete elimination of terrorism. We are a peaceful people and seek lasting peace,” he said.

Questioning the effectiveness of repeated operations, the chief minister said that after 22 major and around 14,000 smaller operations, there is still no guarantee of sustainable peace. He warned that decisions made behind closed doors and imposed on Tirah would not yield positive results. “Had the provincial government been taken into confidence, the nation could have been consulted and a consensus approach adopted. Instead, decisions are being made without provincial input, and the operation was launched through force,” he added.

Highlighting the sacrifices of tribal communities, Afridi said the people of the tribal areas have given countless sacrifices for the country, including leaving behind their homes and livelihoods. He alleged that a long-standing mindset exists that does not want Pashtuns—particularly tribal communities—to become part of the mainstream system, a mindset that has persisted for decades and refuses to acknowledge their existence.

The chief minister also claimed that a misleading and negative propaganda campaign was launched against him immediately after he was elected. Calling it an unfortunate trend, he said targeting an elected chief minister with propaganda was unacceptable, adding that he defeated such narratives with public support.

Concluding his address, Sohail Afridi said he had promised his people education and empowerment instead of weapons. “We will stand on the front line for the defense of the country and will not hesitate to make any sacrifice. When my people are facing difficult times, I will stand with them like a rock,” he said, adding that former prime minister Imran Khan had given the public enough awareness to distinguish between truth and hypocrisy.