ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has refuted claims that a military operation is currently underway in the Tirah Valley, calling the allegations a way for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to shift the blame for its own failures onto the military.
According to Asif, no operation exists in the region, and the KP government is attempting to create a narrative that doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground.
Speaking at a press conference, Khawaja Asif criticized the provincial government for turning a routine winter migration process into an unusual event, something that has been happening since the British colonial era. He stated that winter migration is not new but suggested that the previous PTI-led government had “made it seem unique.”
He also pointed out the inadequacy of the camps set up in the region, adding that the promised four billion rupees for arrangements in the area were not visible. Asif demanded transparency on how the money was spent, saying the provincial government should be held accountable for where the funds went and how much remains.
Asif clarified that the notification being questioned by some parties was issued by the provincial government itself. He suggested that if there is a desire to revoke it, the provincial government is free to do so.
Khawaja Asif emphasized that there is no large-scale military operation taking place in the region. Rather, he explained, the military is conducting intelligence-based operations (IBOs) as needed. He confirmed that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) remains present in the area with around 400-500 militants living there with their families. These operations are carried out when the military receives intelligence on TTP movements.
The minister further stated that the provincial government, after negotiations with local tribal leaders, reached an agreement to allocate four billion rupees for a migration package. However, he clarified that the military’s involvement was not part of these discussions or agreements, which were handled entirely by the provincial government. He also noted that past military operations in the region had been replaced by intelligence-based operations over the years.
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