Tirah IDPs Demand Overdue Transport Fares

BARA / KHYBER — Tensions boiled over at the Alamgudar Registration Centre on Friday, January 30, 2026, as scores of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Tirah Valley protested a significant delay in the payment of promised transport allowances. Frustrated by slow cash distribution, some protesters reportedly resorted to pelting stones at the facility’s gates and official vehicles.

The Root of the Conflict

The protest highlights the growing desperation among the nearly 70,000 individuals (13,725 families) who have evacuated Tirah since December due to the threat of military operations.

• The Promised Fare: Each displaced family is entitled to Rs 22,000 as a transport allowance to cover the cost of moving their belongings and livestock.
• Payment Bottlenecks: Although four centers were opened in Bara for registration, cash distribution was restricted solely to the Alamgudar Centre, leading to massive overcrowding and delays.
• Winter Hardship: Residents, including those from the Sipah and Barqambar Khel tribes, noted that they had traveled over 100km in “extreme cold” and could no longer afford to wait without financial relief.

Current Evacuation Status

The evacuation from Tirah Valley has seen a sharp decline in recent days due to a mix of weather and policy shifts:

1. Snowfall Suspension: On January 23, the district administration suspended the formal evacuation after heavy snowfall made mountain roads slippery and dangerous.
2. Conflicting Signals: Local leaders (Jirgas) have advised remaining residents to stay put, citing confusion over federal ministers’ statements regarding the scope of the “military operation” against terrorists in the valley.
3. Registration Hurdles: Many families have complained of “empty tokens” being issued by the PDMA and NADRA, with payments only being released under intense public pressure.

Administrative Response

Following Friday’s unrest, the district administration has taken the following steps:

• Temporary Closure: The Alamgudar Centre was closed on Friday evening to prevent further violence.
• New Schedule: Officials are expected to announce a revised distribution schedule to manage the crowds and prioritize the most vulnerable families.
• Biometric Verification: Verification continues at Paindi Cheena and other centers, where families are issued mobile SIM cards to facilitate future digital payments.

Safety Note for IDPs

The 24-member Tirah Jirga has urged residents still in the valley to prioritize safety and avoid traveling during heavy snowfall, as road clearance operations are ongoing but slow.

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