Independent Report
Peshawar, January 16, 2026: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi visited Tirah Valley on Friday to meet residents affected by the recent operation and hear their grievances. He issued on-the-spot directives for the immediate resolution of their problems.
Addressing the affected people, Afridi said the situation in Tirah is “completely unacceptable” and criticized decisions taken behind closed doors despite repeated failures. “After 22 major and nearly 14,000 smaller operations, what guarantee exists that peace will be achieved?” he asked.
He added that those calling for changes to failed policies are labeled as supporters of terrorists, and those advocating consultation are accused of links with smugglers. “My people and I are being deliberately targeted because I care for them,” he said.
Afridi reaffirmed his government’s commitment to peace, stating, “We opposed this operation yesterday, we oppose it today, and we will not be part of this failed policy in the future. Lasting peace requires a consensus-based approach involving all stakeholders.”
He assured residents, “I am one of you, and I will stand by you until my last breath.” He called the operation “forced and coercive,” leaving people in grief and helplessness, and declared that protecting the affected residents’ dignity is now his direct responsibility.
The Chief Minister directed all relevant departments to implement emergency measures to reduce hardships and ordered the administration to prevent harassment or humiliation at checkpoints. He also instructed that additional NADRA offices be set up to expedite registration and concluded, “I promise my people we will replace the gun with the pen.”
