Tirah Valley Evacuation Notice: Sohail Afridi Warns of Jirga

Tirah Valley evacuation notice has triggered a political and administrative dispute after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi warned that he would convene a grand Pashtun jirga if the federal government does not withdraw the notification and issue a formal apology within two days.

Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has warned that he will convene a grand Pashtun jirga if the federal government does not withdraw the notification regarding the evacuation of Tirah Valley and issue a formal apology within two days. He said the notification falsely claimed that residents were relocating voluntarily.

Federal Notification Sparks Controversy

Addressing a street movement rally in Mingora, Afridi rejected the claim that Tirah residents were leaving of their own will. He said if the notification was not withdrawn, he would first call a jirga of the Afridi tribe and later expand it to include the entire Pashtun community. He added that if proven wrong, he would personally facilitate the return of displaced families to Tirah.

Claims of Political Pressure and Threats

The chief minister alleged that multiple attempts had been made to prevent him from becoming chief minister, including efforts to impose governor’s rule, disqualify him, or physically eliminate him. He said when political narratives failed, accusations were made linking him to militant groups, which he strongly denied.

Concerns Over Military Operation in Tirah

Afridi said that after previous efforts failed, a security operation was launched in Tirah Valley, leading to displacement. He disclosed that a 24-member committee was formed to decide on the operation and claimed its members were pressured. He emphasized that his opposition was not against the armed forces or state institutions but against decisions made without transparency.

Call for Transparency and Written Coordination

He instructed the provincial government to ensure that all communication with federal authorities and institutions was conducted in writing and supported by evidence, saying that verbal decisions taken behind closed doors had caused serious damage.

Jirga to Determine Voluntary or Forced Displacement

The chief minister announced that a jirga of Tirah residents would be held on Sunday to determine whether people were being displaced forcibly or voluntarily. He said if the jirga concluded that residents were being forced out, the provincial government would facilitate their return.

Two-Day Deadline Issued

Afridi warned that if the notification was not withdrawn and an apology not issued within two days, he would convene a larger jirga of the entire Pashtun nation to address the issue collectively.