ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed claims of a military operation in Tirah Valley, stating no such activity has occurred there for years. He clarified that recent displacements are routine due to harsh winter conditions at the high-altitude region of 17,000 feet, where snowfall prompts annual migration.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Ikhtiar Wali Khan in Islamabad, Asif affirmed that this seasonal migration is a long-standing practice. He also mentioned the absence of a police station in the valley.
The federal government has allocated Rs4 billion for those affected by the winter migration, but Asif alleged attempts to misrepresent the movement as a crisis. He noted that discussions between provincial government and local jirgas led to agreeing on setting up schools and police stations in the area. He also claimed some jirga members had contacted members of the outlawed TTP, who are reportedly living in the valley.
Asif emphasized the military had no involvement, asserting that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is trying to deflect responsibility for its failures onto the army or a non-existent operation.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar supported this by describing the migration as a traditional practice of local tribes.
Special Assistant Ikhtiar Wali Khan questioned the use of allocated Rs4 billion, criticizing the provincial government, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for 13 years, for failing to account for the funds. He stressed that the Tirah Valley situation is unrelated to federal authorities or the military.
