Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has attributed the recent displacement of residents from Tirah Valley in Khyber district to what he described as a barrage of statements issued by the provincial government, saying such remarks created fear among the local population.
Speaking to media representatives in Bara, where a large number of displaced families have taken shelter, the governor said that seasonal migration from Tirah during winter is common, with around 20 per cent of residents typically relocating due to harsh weather conditions. However, he said the scale of displacement this year was unusually high.
According to Governor Kundi, nearly 50 to 60 per cent of the population left the area after repeated statements suggested the possibility of a military operation in Tirah. He said these remarks, largely coming from the PTI-led provincial government, caused panic and forced families to vacate their homes prematurely.
The governor stated that many displaced residents realised after reaching Bara that the situation was not as severe as portrayed, but by then had already left their villages. He criticised the provincial government’s handling of the situation, saying its public messaging failed to reassure the population and instead contributed to uncertainty and fear.
Governor Kundi also urged the provincial leadership to coordinate with the federal government to address security concerns and ensure the safe return of displaced families to their homes. He stressed the need for responsible statements and clear communication to prevent unnecessary displacement in sensitive areas.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.