Migration exercise of the terms “routine annual”; Says PCIs are more effective; Denies any ongoing military operations
ISLAMABAD:
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Tuesday categorically declared that no military operations were being carried out in the Tirah Valley, terming the migration of people a routine and seasonal process due to bad weather and snowfall.
Addressing a press conference alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Information Ikhtiar Wali Khan, the Defense Minister said: “There has been no operation in the Tirah Valley for many years. These are just hypotheses.
The press conference came two days after the federal and provincial governments exchanged barbs over who authorized the evacuation process after hundreds of Tirah residents left their homes in anticipation of planned military action against the terrorists.
The evacuations, which were carried out according to a plan agreed by all stakeholders – including local elders, the provincial government and the military – appear to have become a bone of contention after the displaced population found themselves stranded in cold weather and in the open, with mismanagement by authorities only adding to their problems.
He said it was strategically decided that intelligence-based operations (IBOs) were more effective than large-scale operations, adding that the armed forces stopped such operations years ago in favor of IBOs.
Asif said the PCIs would continue to eliminate the threat of terrorism from the soil of the country.
He said that every year, about 60 to 65 percent of the population migrates to other areas due to extreme weather conditions and heavy snowfall, a practice that has continued for decades and even over the last century.
The minister clarified that the armed forces deployed in the area played no role in the displacement. “It is an arrangement between the local jirga and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government,” he said.
He said the KP government had approved a Rs 4 billion relief package for Tirah Valley residents who migrate seasonally.
He also criticized the performance of the KP government, highlighting the lack of hospitals, schools and police stations in the valley. The minister claimed there was a “total absence of civilian law enforcement agencies” in Tirah. “There is no police station there,” he added.
Asif further said that hemp was harvested in Tirah from 12,000 acres. The hemp harvested from each acre generated a profit of around Rs 3-3.5 million, he said, adding that “this is a major factor” in the matter.
He explained that hemp had several uses, including in the manufacture of medicines, building materials and bricks.
“Hemp is harvested there and the dividends from it go either to people associated with politics or to the TTP. We have taken steps to stop this, so that [Tirah’s] people benefit from this harvest and schools and hospitals are built there,” Asif added.
He went on to say that the provincial government’s interests align with those of the TTP in Tirah, “since they exploit this source (hemp) together.”
The minister recalled that the Tirah jirga held meetings on December 11, 21 and 31 last year on this subject.
“He met with the civilian government. We don’t see the army anywhere in this context. [matter]. And this jirga was formed many years ago [ ] And the 24 members of the jirga are on board. All the things I listed that are required there [Tirah]This is their (jirga’s) request. Now, in the presence of the jirga and this notification, where do you see the military [involvement] in all of this?” Asif said.
He alleged that the KP government wanted to blame its “failures” on the army or an operation that did not even exist.
Then, pointedly referring to population movements in Tirah, he asserted that this “tradition has been in place for decades” due to the climate and topography of the region. It was even mentioned in a British-era gazette, he added. “This transition happens every year.”
“This is nothing unusual, but the PTI government has tried to ensure that [appear] unusual,” he said. Moreover, the KP government had claimed to have spent Rs 2-4 billion to set up camps for evacuated residents, he said, alleging that these camps did not provide protection from the cold.
He again claimed that the military presence or an operation in Tirah was only a “hypothesis”. “No operation has been carried out there for years,” he said.
He added that if the KP government wanted to work for the welfare of the people of Tirah, the federal government would provide necessary means for the purpose.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that migration of tribals from Khyber district during winter is a historical norm, rejecting the “baseless narrative” peddled by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson.
The minister highlighted that the Afridi and Aka Khel tribes have a unique lifestyle, migrating from Tirah in winter and returning in summer.
Tarar noted that history bears witness to this seasonal migration, citing Edward A Murphy’s 1899 book, The Khyber, which references an official directory from 1880. He pointed out that this historical document explicitly documents the customary winter migration of tribes, describing it as an established and recognized reality in international literature.
Responding to questions about the timing of the current movement, the minister explained that although winter traditionally began in October, climate change had significantly altered seasonal cycles. He noted that snowfall, which historically occurred in November, is now delayed until late January, representing a complete seasonal change.
He also referred to a notification issued by the KP government itself, which said the tribes were moving voluntarily. The minister urged provincial officials to avoid politicizing a centuries-old traditional practice.
