The federal government has dismissed claims circulating on social media and other platforms alleging that residents are being forced to leave Tirah Valley on the orders of the Pakistan Army, calling the assertions misleading and unfounded.

In an official position, authorities said no directive has been issued by the federal government or the armed forces for the depopulation of Tirah. The clarification comes amid public concern and reports suggesting large-scale displacement from parts of the valley in Khyber district, an issue that authorities say has been misrepresented.

Temporary Evacuation in Tirah Based on Consensus, Not Military Operation Claims

Officials said law enforcement agencies are continuing routine, intelligence-based operations in the area aimed specifically at terrorist elements, with efforts made to avoid disruption to civilian life. According to the government, these operations do not require, nor have they involved, forced migration or depopulation of local communities.

The government also noted that residents of Tirah have expressed concern over the presence of militant elements, referred to as Khwarij, and have voiced a desire for peace and stability in the region.

Separately, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Department issued a notification on December 26, 2025, approving the release of funds, reportedly amounting to Rs 4 billion, for advance preparedness related to an anticipated temporary and voluntary movement of population from certain localities of Tirah, including Bagh.

According to the notification, the funds are intended to facilitate transportation, food support, cash assistance, and the establishment and management of transit and registration points. Officials said these measures are part of contingency planning and relief preparedness rather than any enforced relocation.

The document further states that the deputy commissioner of Khyber conveyed that the proposed voluntary movement reflects the views and preferences of local residents, as expressed through a representative jirga held at the district level. The approach takes into account seasonal, logistical, and contextual factors and is based on a non-camp model, the notification said.

Authorities stressed that linking the planned relief measures or any voluntary movement to the armed forces is incorrect and misleading. Officials said such claims falsely attribute the matter to military directives and risk creating unnecessary alarm among the public.