The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken a significant step to aid civilians affected by an upcoming military action, authorizing a substantial financial package for their temporary relocation.
Financial Approval for Humanitarian Support
On Wednesday, the provincial finance department sanctioned the release of Rs4 billion to support the temporary displacement of people living in the Tirah Valley, located in Khyber district. This decision comes ahead of a planned, targeted security operation aimed at militant elements in the area.
The official communication from the finance department confirmed that the funds are designated for activities related to the depopulation of Tirah and other necessary operational preparations. This allocation falls under the FATA Disaster Management Authority grant for the current financial year, 2025–26.
The expenditure will be charged to the Social Protection and Rehabilitation budget, drawing from the sanctioned grant for this fiscal period. Importantly, the letter specified that the money will be placed in the Special Deposit Funds Account of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) under the Public Account. It will not be transferred to any commercial or designated bank account, with all regulatory formalities to be completed before use.
On-the-Ground Displacement and Relief Efforts
The process of temporary relocation for Tirah Valley residents officially began last Friday. This move followed a successful agreement between the district administration and a 24-member tribal committee of elders, which was finalized after negotiations held last month.
Most of the demands presented by the local committee were accepted, with others approved after some amendments. The local population had initially put forward 27 conditions for their cooperation with the temporary relocation plan preceding the security action.
Current relief operations are centered at Paindai Cheena, where the registration of displaced families is actively ongoing. The district administration has established facilities there to assist the affected individuals. As part of the verification process, mobile SIM cards are being issued to displaced persons after their details are confirmed by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
For immediate relief, the administration is also providing Rs22,000 per vehicle to the impacted families to assist with transportation costs.
Context and Regional Significance
The Tirah Valley, a strategically important region straddling the Pakistan-Afghanistan border across parts of Khyber and Orakzai districts, has experienced a troubling resurgence of militant activity in recent months. This security operation is a direct response to that threat, with the government prioritizing the safety and support of civilians through this substantial financial commitment and coordinated displacement plan.
The structured approach, involving tribal elders and focusing on verified aid distribution, underscores the authorities' effort to conduct the operation with minimal civilian hardship. The role of the PDMA in managing the funds is intended to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public resources during this critical period.
