Government Denies “Depopulation” Claims in Tirah Valley, Affirms Voluntary Measures

Independent Report

Tirah Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan:
The Government has officially addressed misleading claims circulating regarding the alleged “depopulation” of Tirah Valley on orders of the Armed Forces.
The assertions are false, malicious, and aimed at creating public alarm, spreading disinformation against security institutions, and pursuing political gains. No directive has been issued by the Federal Government or the Armed Forces for depopulating Tirah Valley. Law Enforcement Agencies are conducting routine, intelligence-based operations (IBOs) strictly against terrorist elements while taking full care to avoid disruption to peaceful civilian life.
Local residents have expressed concerns over the presence of Khwarij extremists and are seeking peace and stability.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government’s Relief, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Department issued a notification on 26 December 2025, allocating approximately PKR 4 billion for “anticipated temporary and voluntary movement of population from certain localities of Tirah (Bagh)”. The funding is aimed at advance preparedness and relief measures, including transportation, food distribution, cash assistance, and the establishment and management of transit and registration points.
Deputy Commissioner Khyber confirmed that this proposed voluntary movement reflects the preferences of the local population, articulated through a representative jirga at the district level, considering seasonal, logistical, and local factors. The process is designed to be non-camp-based.
Hence, any media statements linking the proposed migration to the Armed Forces are false, fabricated, and malicious, with the intent to malign security institutions. The Government emphasized that these claims are highly regrettable and politically motivated.