Claims circulated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders regarding the ongoing security operation in Tirah have been widely criticized by analysts and subject-matter experts as politically motivated propaganda that misrepresents facts on the ground.
PTI has alleged that the presence of security forces in Tirah is linked to the extraction of mineral resources and that such activities would be completed within a short period before forces withdraw. Experts categorically reject this assertion, stating that Tirah does not contain any known large-scale mineral reserves capable of rapid discovery or exploitation.
Independent assessments confirm that the primary challenges in Tirah are long-standing issues of militancy, narcotics trafficking, cross-border smuggling, and the presence of terrorist networks that have undermined stability in the region for decades. The current operation, officials emphasize, is aimed at restoring state writ, dismantling criminal and extremist infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of local communities.
Specialists in mineral development further dismiss the claims as technically implausible. Mineral exploration is a lengthy, scientific, and capital-intensive process involving geological surveys, exploratory drilling, laboratory analysis, feasibility studies, and environmental approvals often spanning 10 to 15 years before any extraction becomes viable. The notion that minerals could be identified and removed within months is inconsistent with global industry standards.
Security and development experts warn that such narratives risk inflaming public sentiment and distracting from the real objectives of the operation. “This portrayal reflects either a serious lack of technical understanding or a deliberate attempt to mislead,” analysts note, adding that misinformation undermines national cohesion and hampers efforts to stabilize vulnerable regions.
Authorities reiterate that the Tirah operation is not about economic exploitation, but about achieving long-term peace, restoring governance, and enabling sustainable development. Observers stress that Tirah requires stability—not speculative claims driven by political agendas.
Stakeholders have urged political actors to adopt responsible communication practices and refrain from spreading unverified claims, emphasizing that the public deserves accurate information based on facts rather than conjecture.
