Voices from Khyber’s Tirah Valley have laid bare the humanitarian toll of displacement while reaffirming strong tribal support for Pakistan’s security forces, even as anger mounts over what locals describe as provincial mismanagement and political neglect.
A Shinwari elder from Khyber described the journey of displaced Tirah families as a test of survival rather than relocation.
He said families that normally reach Bara, Jamrud, Landi Kotal, or even Peshawar within a day are now taking three to four days, moving through rain and biting cold without food, clean water, shelter, medical facilities, or washrooms.
“These are entire families, elderly men, women, children, even infants,” he said, adding that some children have died due to harsh weather and exhaustion.
The elder said that only registration points have been set up so far, while promised relief, compensation, and transportation arrangements remain missing. He demanded immediate provision of food, shelter, healthcare, and swift relocation to prevent further loss of life.
Alongside this criticism, a powerful message of loyalty and clarity came from an elderly Zakha Khel Afridi tribesman from Tirah, who issued what he described as a “two-word message” from the dignified Pashtuns of Tirah.
“Afridi is an honorable and dignified nation. We know clearly where peace, stability, and survival are rooted,” he said.
“As long as the shadow of the Pakistan Army remains over our heads, this land is safe, this nation is strong, and this country stands.”
The elder credited the Pakistan Army with eliminating personal vendettas, curbing narcotics, and restoring peace and normalcy in tribal areas, saying that wherever the army stood with the people, there was peace, dignity, and brotherhood.
“Whether it is Islamabad or Tirah, Lahore or Karachi, this is one Pakistan, and it is the Pakistan Army that is protecting it,” he said, concluding with chants of Pakistan Zindabad.
Separately, Malik Nisar of Haleemzai tribe in Mohmand echoed concerns over governance, saying the KP government and chief minister cannot evade responsibility after the 18th Amendment and must show clarity and resolve instead of shifting blame.
