A. Rahman
A sudden wave of fear has emptied villages in Pakistan’s remote Tirah valley, with local officials estimating more than 60,000 people have left their homes in recent weeks following announcements in mosques about a possible military push against militants.
The Tirah region, tucked in Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, saw families packing up hastily, many loading belongings onto tractors and trucks to head toward safer areas like Bara. Residents described loudspeaker messages urging evacuation to avoid getting caught in potential fighting, echoing memories of past operations that brought heavy bombardment and prolonged displacement.
Women and children made up the bulk of those leaving, braving chilly winter conditions with limited shelter options upon arrival. Some found refuge with relatives, while others gathered in open spaces or makeshift setups, raising worries about access to food, warmth, and medical care in the harsh weather.
Tens of thousands flee northwest Pakistan’s Tirah over fears …
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has firmly rejected claims of any planned or ongoing operation in the area, suggesting the rumors might stem from militant groups trying to create panic. Authorities insist no evacuation orders came from official sources.
Yet the scale of the movement tells a different story on the ground, with convoys stretching along narrow roads and communities largely deserted. Past campaigns against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan fighters in similar tribal zones have indeed led to massive civilian upheaval, leaving deep scars and skepticism toward assurances.
Tirah Valley residents flee homes ahead of Pakistan’s planned anti …
Aid groups are monitoring the situation closely, though no large-scale relief efforts have kicked in yet given the government’s stance. For now, the displaced wait uncertainly, hoping the fears prove unfounded but prepared for a longer stay away from home.
Quick Summary:
More than 60,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled Pakistan’s Tirah valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after mosque warnings of a potential military operation against militants. The government denies any such plans, but residents cite past experiences as families endure winter displacement with limited aid.
