A scathing critique of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government emerged from the very district the current CM KP hails from, as Malik Naseer Ahmad Koki Khel directly held the PTI-led administration responsible for the Tirah operation and its fallout.
Speaking to the media, Malik Naseer Ahmad stated that for 13 years, the province has been under a governance that has failed to protect anyone, from religious scholars and elders to political party leaders. He said the Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, along with provincial representatives (MNAs and MPAs), had initially declared that no operation would be allowed in Tirah, asserting their authority over the province.
However, he claimed that the narrative quickly shifted, with officials later citing extreme cold as the reason for mass displacement, remarking that even dogs could not survive the harsh conditions. Malik Naseer added that the Chief Minister further alleged the operation was being conducted to tarnish PTI’s reputation and subsequently claimed the government was powerless to stop it. Officials had reportedly assured the public that the operation would last only ten to fifteen days and would end soon.
Describing this conduct as “theatrics,” Malik Naseer Ahmad argued that the public is now aware and will not be misled by such maneuvers. He criticized the Chief Minister for touring Punjab and holding rallies in Sindh while residents of Tirah were forced to abandon their homes amidst harsh winter conditions.
He also accused the PTI government of failing to resolve the issues at Regi Lalma, neglecting the needs of Tirah’s displaced residents, and ignoring persistent electricity shortages. Instead, he said, provincial legislators remain engrossed in their comfort and personal pursuits, leaving the government with debts exceeding Rs1,500 billion.
Malik Naseer concluded that if the government were truly sincere, it would immediately implement the Peshawar High Court’s ruling in favor of Regi Lalma.
