The military operation is expected to last around two months, after which families will begin to gradually return.
KHYBER:
In a major development ahead of a proposed security operation, local tribesmen in Khyber’s Tirah Valley have agreed to voluntarily leave their villages.
The decision followed successful negotiations between a 24-member tribal jirga and the district administration, which resulted in full consensus on the temporary resettlement of residents of the Maydan area in the picturesque Tirah Valley.
Speaking to The Express PK Press Club, Kamaluddin, head of the jirga, confirmed that a formal written agreement had been signed with the Deputy Commissioner of Khyber. “The evacuation of the Maydan area of Tirah will begin on January 10 and is expected to be completed by January 25,” he said.
He added that the military operation is expected to last around two months, after which families will begin to return gradually from April 5.
The agreement also provides compensation for affected families. Completely destroyed houses will receive Rs 3 million, while partially damaged houses will be compensated Rs 1 million. Each affected family will also receive immediate cash assistance of Rs 250,000, as well as monthly assistance of Rs 50,000 during temporary resettlement. Relief funds will be disbursed through EasyPaisa accounts and free transportation will be provided to relocating families.
Kamaluddin noted that six Afridi sub-tribes inhabit the Maydan region, with an estimated combined population of 130,000 people. He pointed out that law and order in the region has been unstable over the past four years, emphasizing the need for an upcoming operation.
