A representative Jirga of Tirah elders is currently in session in Painda Chena, Tirah, where elders have voiced grave concerns regarding the handling of evacuation decisions and the alleged mismanagement of compensation funds intended for displaced residents.
According to the Jirga, a formal decision was taken on 14 November 2025 during a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, in which it was agreed that residents of Tirah would evacuate designated areas. However, elders stated that the official notification was deliberately delayed until 26 December 2025, despite the decision having already been finalized.
The Jirga members asserted that during this interim period, strict instructions were issued to the elders by Sohail Shah Rangila and members of his cabinet, directing them not to initiate any evacuation prior to the issuance of the notification. Elders were reportedly warned that any early evacuation would result in the denial of compensation, effectively preventing timely relocation and increasing hardship for the local population.
The elders further maintained that the prolonged delay in notification intensified the suffering of residents, a situation they allege was later politically exploited. They emphasized that the delay was neither administrative nor procedural, but intentional in nature, resulting in avoidable distress for affected families.
Addressing the issue of compensation, the Jirga stated that it had unanimously agreed that relief and compensation funds would be handed over to the elders, who would then oversee transparent and fair distribution among legitimately affected households. However, the elders alleged that this agreement was violated.
According to the Jirga, Meena Khan, brother of Sohail Shah Rangila, along with Abdul Ghani and Iqbal Afridi, allegedly misappropriated the compensation funds. The elders claimed that the money was distributed among themselves and their political affiliates, including individuals brought in from Tarnol, Peshawar, and other areas, while the actual displaced families have yet to receive any compensation.
The Jirga expressed strong resentment and deep concern over these developments, terming them a serious breach of trust and a violation of commitments made to the people of Tirah. Elders warned that such actions not only undermine traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms but also erode public confidence in governance and relief processes.
In response to growing questions and demands for accountability, the Jirga alleged that certain individuals have attempted to discredit the Jirga itself, reportedly labeling it a “tout” in an effort to deflect scrutiny and evade responsibility. Elders categorically rejected these claims, reaffirming the legitimacy of the Jirga and its role as the authentic voice of the people of Tirah.
The Jirga has called for immediate transparency, accountability, and an independent review of the evacuation process and compensation distribution, emphasizing that justice for affected families must take precedence over political considerations.
