Tirah Valley Exodus: A Winter of Despair Amid Government Inaction
As the cold weather tightened its grip on the snow-clad peaks of Tirah Valley, thousands of families embarked on a familiar yet painful journey downward. Carrying children, elderly relatives, and whatever belongings they could manage, these residents sought to escape the biting chill following recent heavy snowfall. For the poor tribesmen of Maidan, Bagh, and Rajgal valleys in Tirah, which span the Khyber and Orakzai tribal districts, seasonal migration is not a new phenomenon. However, this winter has been particularly harsh, not only due to the heavy snowfall but also because of the absence of timely support from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, which has exacerbated their miseries.
Inaccessible Terrain and Voluntary Migration
Nestled in the rugged Koh-e-Sufaid range near the Pak-Afghan border, Tirah Valley becomes nearly inaccessible during harsh winters. Over the years, residents have learned to move early, often voluntarily, to safer and warmer places such as Bara, Peshawar, Hangu, and surrounding areas. This month was no exception, as heavy snowfall blanketed these valleys, primarily inhabited by Afridi and Akakhel tribes. Many began migrating towards Bara tehsil of Khyber and Peshawar, hoping to find shelter, assistance, and relief. Yet, numerous families found themselves stranded on icy roads and in makeshift camps, exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting much-needed help.
Early Warnings Ignored by Authorities
What has angered residents of Tirah and opposition leaders alike is that this displacement was neither sudden nor unforeseen. The situation deteriorated due to the lackluster approach of the KP government. On October 28 last year, the Deputy Commissioner of Khyber formally informed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of an imminent voluntary displacement from Tirah's snow-bound valleys. The letter requested advance arrangements for:
- Transportation
- Food supplies
- Cash assistance
- Establishment of transit and registration points
It clearly stated that migration would occur with the consent of local communities and recommendations of a representative jirga, considering seasonal realities and administrative preparedness. Despite these early warnings, little was done on the ground. As snowfall intensified, thousands of families remained trapped in upper Tirah, struggling through harsh weather before gradually making their way to lower districts of Khyber and Peshawar, often at their own expense.
Delayed Government Response and Relief Efforts
It was only on December 26, 2025, nearly two months after the initial intimation of possible migration, that the provincial government declared an emergency in Khyber district under the National Disaster Management Act KP 2010. The notification tasked the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), in coordination with district administration, to arrange:
- Transportation
- Food and refreshments
- Transit facilities
The Khyber DC was authorized to initiate relief operations using available resources. According to the notification, tents and non-food items were to be supplied from PDMA's central warehouse in Jalozai Nowshera, while all expenditures were to be met through a relief account operated by the district administration. However, by the time these arrangements were activated by the KP government, the migration had already begun.
Current Displacement Figures and On-Ground Realities
According to PDMA figures, displacement from Tirah started around January 10, and so far, about 11,400 families have been registered, with more than 10,000 relocated to safer areas including Bara and Peshawar. On Wednesday alone, 1,719 families were registered at five centres in Bara tehsil of Khyber. For poor people like Jan Afridi, a resident of Bara, seasonal migration is driven purely by survival and is not a new phenomenon. "My relatives here at Bara Camp confirmed that they came here voluntarily after Maidan and Bagh received heavy snowfall recently," he said while standing near the crowded relief camp. "But now they are looking towards the KP government for speedy help and assistance."
Criticism Over Relief Funds and Political Tensions
Many displaced families have complained that they have yet to receive meaningful financial assistance, despite the announcement of a Rs4 billion relief package by the KP government for seasonal migrants from Tirah Valley. Opposition leader in the KP Assembly, Dr. Ebadullah Khan, openly questioned the utilization of the allocated funds. He claimed that most affected families reported receiving little to no cash support so far, raising serious concerns about transparency and governance under the PTI-led provincial government. Dr. Ebad also pointed out that the federal government had clarified no military operation was currently underway in Tirah Valley, terming the migration a routine seasonal movement triggered by extreme weather conditions, contrary to impressions created by some provincial PTI leaders.
Governor's Intervention and Federal Support
Amid growing criticism against PTI rulers, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi rushed to Bara tehsil on Wednesday, where he distributed relief goods among displaced families at Dogra Khyber. Relief consignments dispatched by PRCS Punjab, on the instructions of the Governor of Punjab, were also distributed by the KP Governor. Each 20-kilogram package included:
- Flour
- Rice
- Sugar
- Ghee
- Essential food items
- Clean drinking water
The affectees lauded the timely assistance from the Federal and Punjab governments. PRCS Merged Districts also established a medical camp in Bara, providing free treatment and medicines to the affectees. Governor Kundi said his visit aimed to assess ground realities and support voluntarily displaced families. He criticized what he termed "irresponsible statements" by the PTI leadership, saying they created fear of a military operation in Tirah and forced people to migrate in haste. "Nearly 60 percent of this displacement occurred because of such irrational and illogical statements by PTI leadership," he claimed, calling it highly deplorable and uncalled for.
Call for Improved Governance and Future Preparedness
Urging the provincial government to improve governance and the security situation, the Governor called for dialogue instead of confrontation. He assured that the federal government stands firmly with the people of Tirah until their dignified return to their native areas. As winter continues, families in relief camps wait not just for food or tents, but for a system that listens to warnings before snow falls and acts before suffering begins. This crisis underscores the need for better disaster management and proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations in remote regions like Tirah Valley.
