Political, social, and tribal organizations of Khyber District have issued a joint declaration following an All Parties Conference, demanding full compensation for Tirah affectees, restoration of law and order, early return of displaced people, and revival of livelihoods.

The declaration stated that the law and order situation in Khyber District, particularly in Tirah Valley, continues to deteriorate. It also highlighted concerns over forced displacement, irregularities in the registration process, and the growing hardships faced by the public.

Leaders participating in the conference held the federal and provincial governments, along with state institutions, responsible for these issues. They said that after forced evacuations, it becomes the constitutional responsibility of the provincial government to fulfill its obligations.

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Speakers noted that for the past two years, the people of Tirah Valley have been raising concerns about insecurity and staging protests, but the governments failed to take effective action, resulting in forced displacement.

The conference claimed that while the government appears to deny any operation, actions are practically ongoing on the ground.

According to the declaration, a relief package of PKR 250,000 per family and a promise of dignified return by April 10 had been made. However, most affected individuals have yet to receive assistance, and no arrangements for their return have been ensured.

It was further stated that the effects of terrorism in Tirah are now spreading to the outskirts of Bara.

The conference also alleged corruption in the approved funds of PKR 4 billion for affectees, stating that there is no effective system in place to prevent misuse.

The declaration pointed out that while the Bank of Khyber is being used for other financial assistance, the Tirah relief package is being distributed through the Bank of Punjab, raising questions.

Participants said that the government had promised to protect the houses and forests of the affected people, but now reports of deforestation and looting of homes are emerging.

Key demands and recommendations:

The declaration demanded that all agreements made with the 24-member committee regarding any possible operation and displacement in Tirah be made public.

It called for an immediate plan to ensure dignified return of affectees and completion of the registration process within 15 days.

The conference urged PDMA and NDMA to play an active role and emphasized the need to present a clear roadmap for development projects. It also demanded public disclosure of relief funds and rent payments, investigation into alleged corruption, and punishment for those responsible.

The declaration further called for immediate attention to the worsening situation in Bara, strict action against those involved in illegal deforestation, and an increase in the martyrs’ package. It also demanded that details of Apex Committee meetings be made public.

Participants demanded compensation for those who have lost their livelihoods in Tirah and immediate steps to restore the writ of the state in the merged tribal districts.

 They also called for transparent investigations into alleged irregularities in development projects since the 2018 merger and an independent audit of fund utilization.

The declaration warned that if the demands are not met promptly, all political parties in Khyber District will jointly launch protests.

Current situation of affectees:

According to district officials, tokens have been issued to 37,000 affectees from Tirah Valley, while 34,000 have received rental payments.

Officials stated that a 70-member team is working on verification, including a 24-member committee, polio staff, and district administration.

In the initial phase, verification of 14,000 families has been completed, while documents of 12,000 affected families have been sent to PDMA for transfer of PKR 240,000 through SIMs under the agreement.

The conference was attended by Awami National Party (ANP) leader Abdul Razzaq Afridi, former MPA Shafiq Afridi, Advocate Danish, JUI-F leader Syed Kabir, social activist Aftab Khan, Pakistan Awami League leader Malik Ataullah, spokesperson of Tirah Affectees Movement Sohbat Khan Afridi, Karwan leader Azhar Khan, and Dr. Sher Shah.

In addition, PML-N leader Zahir Shah, JUI member and 24-member committee member Maulana Khazrat Khan, and Maulana Izzatullah also participated in the conference.