Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has firmly dismissed the federal government's characterization of the displacement of residents from the Tirah valley in Khyber district as voluntary, labeling it as "misleading and factually incorrect." The PTI-affiliated leader issued a stern warning, stating that if the contentious notification is not retracted and an apology is not tendered, he will convene a jirga of the Afridi tribe within the district.
Escalating Tensions Over Displacement Claims
During rallies held in various parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Mingora city in Swat, Chief Minister Afridi accused the federal authorities of attempting to create divisions between the provincial government and state institutions. He announced a new policy of documenting all future communications with the federal government in writing, supported by concrete evidence, to prevent such tactics from succeeding.
Federal Government's Rebuttal
The Ministry of Information recently addressed what it termed "misleading claims" circulating about alleged "depopulation" orders from the army in Tirah Valley. In an official statement, the ministry described these assertions as baseless, malicious, and driven by ulterior motives aimed at sowing public alarm, spreading disinformation against security institutions, and advancing vested political interests.
The statement clarified that no directive for depopulation has been issued by either the federal government or the Armed Forces. However, it referenced the Khyber deputy commissioner, noting that "a voluntary movement" of valley residents reflects the population's views and preferences, as articulated through a representative jirga at the district level. This movement considers seasonal, logistical, and contextual factors, adopting a non-camp-based approach.
Chief Minister's Strong Condemnation
At another rally in Chakdara, Chief Minister Afridi denounced the federal government's notification claiming voluntary migration of Tirah affectees as "open injustice" and "a denial of facts." He highlighted the severe hardships faced by Tirah residents, attributing their plight to what he called the "fake government established under Form 47," which he accused of ignoring ground realities and leaving people helpless.
Afridi warned against using Pashtun regions as testing grounds for failed policies, vowing to steadfastly defend the rights of the province and its people. "These people impose decisions made in closed rooms, and when those decisions fail, they step back. Decisions imposed in secrecy often collapse when confronted with reality," he asserted.
Political Allegiances and Public Support
The Chief Minister also addressed broader political issues, condemning former Prime Minister Imran Khan's imprisonment as unjust and describing it as a political sacrifice. He affirmed that the PTI and its supporters remain fully aligned with Khan, noting that the party's street movement continues across Pakistan, with clear expressions of political will from Swat and other regions.
"Political parties relying on financial incentives or material inducements to mobilize supporters will eventually fade as the dominant political voice in Pakistan remains that of Imran Khan," Afridi declared. He pointed to unprecedented public enthusiasm witnessed across Punjab, Sindh, Hazara, Peshawar Region, and Malakand, emphasizing that supporters of Imran Khan's vision have no political parallel.
Challenges to Leadership and Institutional Relations
Sohail Afridi revealed that multiple tactics were employed to obstruct his appointment as K-P Chief Minister, including narratives linking him to smugglers and militants. "After attempts such as Governor's Rule and regime change failed, efforts are now underway to undermine public confidence in the PTI," he added.
He rejected claims that his party is hostile to the military or state institutions, stating that while they respect institutions completely, they do not accept decisions made behind closed doors without a public mandate. "Attempts to damage the party's image would not succeed," he affirmed.
Massive Public Mobilization
The PTI's street movement rally, which began in Mingora and concluded in Chakdara, saw large-scale public participation and receptions along the route, culminating in a massive gathering in Chakdara. In his concluding address, Chief Minister Afridi thanked participants for their magnificent reception, praising the people of Malakand Region for demonstrating their capacity to stand firmly against oppression, tyranny, and injustice.
"Public mobilization and Pashtun solidarity has sent a strong political message," he concluded, underscoring the significance of the event in the ongoing political landscape.
