CM Sohail Afridi Demands Federal Apology Over Tirah Operation “Disinformation”

PESHAWAR — The political rift between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government and the Centre deepened on Monday as Chief Minister Sohail Afridi demanded a formal apology from the federal government. Addressing the KP Assembly, the CM labeled federal claims—which suggested that Tirah Valley residents were relocating voluntarily—as “falsehoods” and a “warrant for confrontation.”

The Core Dispute: Forced vs. Voluntary Displacement

The tension centers on a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Information on January 25, 2026, which denied that the military or federal government had ordered the “depopulation” of Tirah.

Key Highlights from the CM’s Address

• The Sunday Jirga: CM Afridi warned that if the federal statement is not retracted by Friday, he will convene a Grand Jirga of the Afridi tribe this Sunday to prove the displacement was involuntary.
• “Closed-Door” Decisions: He criticized the military strategy, stating that 22 major operations in the past have failed to bring peace because they were decided without public consensus.
• Boycott of Officials: The CM has directed provincial authorities not to invite the Peshawar Corps Commander or the IG Frontier Corps (FC) to any future jirgas, insisting all communication must now be in writing to prevent “walking back” on verbal promises.
• The “Gaza” Resolution: In a surprise move, the KP Assembly passed a resolution rejecting Pakistan’s participation in the Gaza Board of Peace, calling it a US-Israel led initiative that neglects Palestinian leadership.

The Opposition Strikes Back: “Political Hypocrisy?”

Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ibadullah (PML-N) accused the Chief Minister of playing a double game. He noted that a 24-member jirga had already negotiated compensation terms (Rs. 3 million for destroyed houses) and that the CM’s own government had authorized the release of billions of rupees to facilitate the IDPs.

“You sanctioned the amount and signed the papers, but now you are speaking a different language in the House,” Ibadullah remarked, adding that the PTI’s previous policies were responsible for militants’ regrouping.

Humanitarian Crisis in Tirah

Despite the political bickering, the ground reality remains grim for the tribesmen.

• Deadline: The deadline for evacuation was January 25, 2026.
• Weather: Heavy snowfall has trapped several families, forcing the Army and Rescue 1122 to launch emergency relief operations.
• Terms: Families are promised a monthly stipend of Rs. 50,000 until April 5, 2026, when they are expected to return home.

Next Steps & Deadlines

• Jan 30: CM Afridi’s deadline for a federal apology.
• Feb 1: Planned Grand Jirga of the Afridi tribe in Khyber district.
• Feb 5: KP Assembly committee to report back on the “KP Universities Amendment Bill.”

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