As tensions rise in the Tirah Valley of Pakistan’s Khyber District, the Pakistani military has ordered thousands of families to evacuate the region in preparation for a major security sweep. This move comes amid concerns over the presence of militant groups in the area, which has long been a hub for such activity.
Residents of the remote and mountainous Tirah Valley have been given little time to gather their belongings and depart, with the military citing the need for a comprehensive operation to root out extremist elements. Many have expressed frustration and fear over the sudden displacement, with limited information provided about the scale or duration of the planned military action.
“We received the order to leave our homes within 24 hours,” said Zainab Bibi, a mother of five from the village of Speen Drand. “We have nowhere to go and no idea how long we will be away. It is an incredibly stressful situation for my family.”
The Tirah Valley has long been a concern for Pakistani security forces, who have battled with militant groups such as Lashkar-e-Islam and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the rugged terrain. These organisations have used the region as a base for cross-border attacks and as a refuge from military operations elsewhere in the country.
In recent months, there has been a renewed push by the Pakistani military to assert control over the Tirah Valley and disrupt the activities of these militant factions. The current evacuation order is seen as a precursor to a major offensive aimed at flushing out any remaining extremist elements.
“The security of our citizens is our top priority,” said Major General Asif Ghafoor, a spokesman for the Pakistani military. “We understand the hardship this is causing for the residents of Tirah, but this operation is necessary to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.”
The evacuation process has been complicated by the remote location of many villages and the limited transportation options available. Aid agencies and local authorities are working to provide shelter, food, and other essential supplies to the displaced families, but concerns remain over their long-term well-being.
As the residents of Tirah Valley depart their homes, uncertainty looms over the future of the region and the impact of the impending military operation. The Pakistani government has vowed to ensure the safety and security of the local population, but the human cost of this latest chapter in the country’s ongoing battle against extremism remains to be seen.
