The federal government has strongly rejected claims circulating on social media and in some political statements that the Tirah Valley is being depopulated on the orders of the Pakistan Army, calling these reports false, misleading and part of a deliberate disinformation campaign.
In a detailed statement, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said no directive has been issued by either the federal government or the armed forces to evacuate Tirah.
It clarified that law enforcement agencies are only carrying out routine, intelligence-based operations against terrorist elements and that these operations are conducted with full care to avoid any disruption to civilian life.
The ministry added that there is no need for, and no ongoing, forced displacement or migration in the area.
The government also noted that the local population itself has been increasingly concerned about the presence of Khwarij elements and wants peace and stability restored in the region.
KP government decision behind voluntary and temporary movement
According to official documents, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Department issued a notification on December 26, 2025, releasing around Rs4 billion for anticipated, temporary and voluntary movement of people from certain localities of Tirah (Bagh).
The notification clearly states that this possible movement is meant to ensure advance preparedness and relief arrangements, including transport, food support, cash assistance and the setting up of transit and registration points.
It also mentions that this process would be non-camp based.
Importantly, the document records that the Deputy Commissioner Khyber informed the authorities that the proposed voluntary movement reflects the wishes of the local population.
These views were conveyed through representative jirgas held at the district level, keeping in mind seasonal, logistical and local conditions. There is no mention anywhere in the document of a military operation or any army-led decision.
Army role limited to humanitarian assistance not decision-making
The government has stressed that any attempt to link this voluntary movement to the armed forces is false and fabricated.
Officials say such claims are being made to gain political mileage, shift blame and hide poor planning and mismanagement by the provincial authorities.
They added that the army, in line with its public service role, has only helped in relief and evacuation support in extreme weather conditions and has gone beyond its duty to assist civilians. It has not ordered or planned any displacement.
The Ministry of Information said misleading the public on such a sensitive issue is highly irresponsible and urged people to rely on verified information rather than politically motivated propaganda.
Read more: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Rejects Claims of Forced Evacuation in Tirah
