ISLAMABAD: The federal government has categorically denied reports circulating about a forced evacuation of the Tirah Valley on the orders of the armed forces, terming them “baseless and malicious” propaganda aimed at sowing public fear and tarnishing state institutions.
In a detailed statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday, authorities clarified that neither the federal government nor the military has issued any directive for population transfer from the restive region in Khyber district. The ministry asserted that security operations remain strictly intelligence-based, with utmost care taken to protect local civilians. “There is no need for any population transfer or migration for the operations, nor is anything being done,” the statement read, adding that locals themselves desire peace and stability.
The clarification comes amid reports linking a recent KP government notification to a military-led evacuation. The ministry explained that a December 26, 2025, notification from KP’s Relief Department, which released Rs 4 billion, was for contingency planning regarding a possible voluntary and temporary movement of people from parts of Tirah (Bagh) due to administrative and weather-related factors.
“The aim of this measure is to take advance preparation and relief measures,” the ministry stated, outlining plans for transport, food, cash assistance, and temporary registration centers—all intended to be conducted without establishing camps. The plan, it emphasized, was formulated following consultations with local jirgas reflecting community wishes.
In a sharp rebuke, the federal ministry accused the KP government of politicizing the issue, stating that any official statement linking this voluntary relocation plan to the armed forces was “completely false, fabricated and malicious.” Such claims, it said, were regrettable attempts to gain political mileage and defame the country’s security institutions.
