Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Coordinator to PM Ikhtiar Wali Khan have termed the migration in Tirah Valley as a temporary routine displacement during snowfall
Addressing a joint news conference, the federal ministers clarified that this migration has no connection with the Pakistan Army or any possible military operation. They stated that the provincial government is trying to shift the blame for its administrative failures onto state institutions. They added that whenever heavy snowfall occurs in Tirah Valley, the local population moves to safer areas due to harsh weather conditions, but this routine movement is being unnecessarily presented as a security issue.
Khawaja Asif said that tribal elders held meetings with both the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the provincial government, while the army was not involved in this process at any stage. He alleged that the public is being misled through assumptions and rumours regarding an operation.
Attaullah Tarar stated that the provincial government obtained billions of rupees by launching projects in the name of Tirah, but instead of spending the funds on public welfare, the money was used on street movements and political activities. He questioned where the four billion rupees were spent and demanded a clear answer from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
Coordinator to the PM Ikhtiar Wali Khan said that the presence of elements of the proscribed TTP in Tirah Valley is a fact, yet the provincial government failed to take effective measures. He added that if the provincial government is serious, it can take journalists to Tirah Valley to show the ground realities.
During the press conference, it was stated that certain interests within the provincial government appear to be linked with the proscribed TTP, further complicating the situation. The federal ministers made it clear that the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistan Army have no connection with this alleged project or the migration.
The federal ministers reaffirmed their commitment that the welfare and well-being of the people of Tirah Valley is the top priority of the federal government, and the public will not be allowed to become fuel for any political games
Also Read: Swat split into two separate districts
