SWAT
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Soheil Afridi, has warned that if the ongoing operation in Tirah Valley is not stopped within the next two or three days, the provincial government will be forced to devise a new strategy. He made these remarks while addressing a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rally in Mingora, Swat, where he strongly criticized the federal government’s handling of the situation.

During his speech, the Chief Minister referred to a notification issued by the federal government earlier in the day, questioning its implications. “This morning, the federation issued a notification, but it did not say that the people of Tirah should leave,” he said. “Were the people of Tirah going to attend a wedding ceremony?” he asked sarcastically, highlighting what he described as confusion and lack of clarity in the federal government’s decisions.

Soheil Afridi stated that the people of Tirah had been unfairly treated and subjected to collective punishment. He claimed that when political forces could not be defeated, allegations of terrorism were leveled against them. “The people of Tirah were forced to migrate, a 24-member committee was pressurized, and eventually the situation was pushed toward a military operation,” he said, adding that such actions had caused severe hardship for local residents.

The Chief Minister emphasized that his party and government were not against the armed forces or state institutions. “We are neither enemies of the army nor of the institutions,” he clarified. “We are against those who interfere in politics.” He alleged that certain elements were deliberately creating friction between institutions and elected representatives, which, according to him, was harmful to democracy and national unity.

Sharing a personal experience, Soheil Afridi said that he had once left an important meeting to attend the funeral of fallen soldiers. “Now I am not even allowed to attend funerals. I am not invited anymore,” he claimed, expressing regret over what he described as growing distance and mistrust. He stressed that respecting the sacrifices of security personnel was a moral and national obligation.

Reiterating his warning, the Chief Minister stated that if the operation in Tirah was not halted within two or three days, the provincial government would be compelled to formulate a new course of action. However, he did not provide details of what the new strategy would involve, stating only that it would be announced at the appropriate time.

Addressing the issue of former Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan’s imprisonment, Soheil Afridi said the party was fully prepared to launch a major movement for his release. “This time, we will go to Islamabad with full preparation,” he said. “We will make every possible effort for the release of the PTI founder.”

He further warned that if Imran Khan were released from jail, those opposing him would face serious political consequences. “If the PTI founder comes out of prison, then there will be no relief for anyone,” he said, alleging that certain forces were deliberately trying to provoke confrontation between state institutions and the provincial government.

The Chief Minister claimed that such confrontations were being engineered to destabilize the political environment and weaken the provincial government. He urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid steps that could escalate tensions further.

Meanwhile, the federal government has categorically rejected reports suggesting that the Tirah Valley was being evacuated on the basis of military orders. In an official statement, federal authorities termed such claims as baseless and driven by bad intentions. The government maintained that no instructions had been issued to forcibly displace residents of the area.

The conflicting statements from the provincial and federal governments have intensified political debate over the operation in Tirah Valley. Analysts believe the situation reflects growing tensions between the center and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, particularly over security policies and decision-making authority.

Residents and political observers are closely monitoring developments, as any escalation could have serious humanitarian and political consequences. Calls are growing for dialogue and coordination between the federal and provincial governments to ensure that security measures do not result in unnecessary displacement or suffering for local populations.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister’s remarks have added a new dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding the Tirah operation. His warning of a new strategy, coupled with criticism of the federal government and strong political messaging, underscores the urgency of resolving the issue through consultation and transparent decision-making. Whether the operation will be halted or a new approach adopted remains to be seen in the coming days.