Pakistan’s federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments are blaming each other for issues in Tirah Valley, revealing a divergence in counter-terrorism policies. This situation could benefit anti-state groups and worsen the plight of residents who had to flee their homes during the harsh winter. The valley, bordering Afghanistan, is reportedly a haven for various banned terrorist organizations.
The federal government is responsible for eradicating terrorists from the region, while the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, representing the province’s people, has the right to voice concerns and intervene. However, the public dispute between the two levels of government regarding state security is not handling the crisis responsibly. Instead of cooperating, they are trading blame, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and showcasing a lack of unity in counterterrorism efforts.
Locals, not nomads, are being compelled to leave due to conflicts, despite the federal government claiming it as seasonal migration. The state and central authorities should prioritize assisting migrants with safe travel, shelter, and essential facilities until they can return home safely. Recent reports have accused the Pakistani Army of human rights violations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region plagued by militancy and military operations since the early 2000s.
