GalleryTens of thousands flee northwest Pakistan’s Tirah over fearsDefence minister denies plans to attack the Pakistan Taliban in Tirah as tens of thousands flee the border region.
## Security and Migration Updates in Northwestern Pakistan
Security and Migration Updates in Northwestern Pakistan
More than 70,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, have evacuated Tirah, located in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghanistan border. This migration is driven by concerns of potential military actions against the Pakistan Taliban, according to local sources and officials.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has refuted these claims, stating that no military operation is currently underway or planned in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He attributed the movement of the population to adverse weather conditions, despite local reports indicating fears of military operations.
The mass exodus began following announcements in December urging residents to leave Tirah by January 23 to avoid conflict, echoing previous military actions in the Bajaur district. The campaign in August led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands.
Shafi Jan, a provincial government spokesperson, criticized federal authorities for the hardships faced by displaced individuals, accusing the Islamabad government of inconsistent positions on military operations.
More than 70,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, have evacuated Tirah, located in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghanistan border.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has opposed military intervention, vowing to prevent a large-scale operation in Tirah.
Military Operations and Regional Impact
Military officials have stated their focus on targeted intelligence operations against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). They allege that many TTP members have taken refuge in Afghanistan since the Afghan Taliban's return to power in 2021, with some crossing into Tirah and using civilians as shields.
Population Displacement and Registration
Talha Rafiq Alam, a local government administrator, reported that around 10,000 families, or approximately 70,000 people, from Tirah's 150,000 population have registered as displaced. The registration deadline has been extended to February 5, with assurances that residents can return once security conditions improve.
Incidents of mortar explosions have been reported, resulting in casualties. Community leaders have advised residents to relocate for safety reasons. Additionally, due to food shortages exacerbated by heavy snowfall, members of the Sikh minority have also left Tirah.
In September of the previous year, Tirah gained national attention following an explosion at a suspected bomb-making facility, resulting in at least 24 fatalities. Authorities claimed most victims were TTP-linked, but local leaders argued that civilians, including women and children, were among the casualties.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
