A Shinwari tribal elder from Landi Kotal in Khyber district has strongly criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, particularly Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, for inadequate arrangements and what he described as criminal negligence in handling the displacement of Tirah Valley residents.
In a digital interview with a local journalist, the elder said families leaving Tirah are taking three days to reach Peshawar, a journey that normally takes only four hours, enduring rain, severe cold, and lack of basic facilities. He highlighted that while these families suffer, the chief minister was reportedly in Karachi attending a party worker’s funeral.
“Is a funeral more important than arranging relief and basic facilities for your own people whose children have already died due to the cold?” he asked. “These are the arrangements the government calls its own.”
The elder questioned why provincial authorities, despite having the funds and mandate to provide relief, have failed to ensure basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, sanitation, and safe transportation. He described the displaced families as being forced to wander, humiliated and exhausted, unable to complete a journey that should take hours, not days.
He directly held the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its provincial government responsible, criticizing them for blaming the federal government instead of taking ownership. “The people elected you. You go and speak with the center. What crime have these displaced families committed that they are denied safe passage, repeatedly blocked at one checkpoint or another?” he said.
The elder also praised local political groups who have stepped in to provide relief. “It is fortunate that ANP, JI, and other organizations collected donations and distributed food and essentials under self-help efforts. Until now, provincial authorities have done nothing. PTI acts as if it is above all responsibility, and that it’s part of the opposition and not in power here in the province.”
Adding perspective, an elderly Zakha Khel Afridi tribesman from Tirah reiterated loyalty to the state, saying:
“Afridis know clearly that peace, stability, and survival are tied to the Pakistan Army. Wherever the army stands with the people, there is security, dignity, and brotherhood.”
Besides, Malik Nisar of the Haleemzai tribe in Mohmand criticized KP’s provincial leadership for indecisiveness, double standards, and failure to exercise authority, noting that after the 18th Amendment, the province has the autonomy to act decisively to restore peace and protect its people.
Meanwhile, the Shinwari elder added that immediate relief and transportation are essential to prevent further loss of life, particularly among children and the elderly, calling for urgent action to move families safely to Bara, Jamrud, Landi Kotal, or Peshawar.
“Three to four days on the road for families who should reach Peshawar in hours — how long will they be humiliated and exposed?” he asked.
