Peshawar: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information, Shafee Jan, has strongly criticized the federal government, accusing it of making an unsuccessful attempt to shift responsibility for the ongoing operation in Tirah Valley onto the provincial government.

Responding to a recent statement by the federal government regarding the displacement of residents from Tirah Valley, Shafee Jan termed the remarks baseless and misleading, saying that the reality of the situation is well known to the public.

“The federal government is trying—and failing—to place the burden of the operation on the provincial government,” Shafee Jan said. “The entire nation knows that people from Tirah Valley have been forced to migrate due to the operation. This is not a matter of opinion; it is a fact.”

He emphasized that statements made by senior federal leaders, including Khawaja Asif and Talal Chaudhry, in the National Assembly are on record and clearly acknowledge that displacement from Tirah Valley is linked to the ongoing operation.

Shafee Jan stated that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi, has repeatedly clarified the provincial government’s position on the Tirah Valley operation. According to him, the KP government had consistently expressed concerns over the lack of consultation and coordination prior to launching the operation.

“The provincial assembly’s Peace Jirga unanimously opposed the operation,” he said, adding that all political parties, regardless of affiliation, were in agreement on the matter. “Despite this consensus, the KP government, political parties, and other key stakeholders were not taken into confidence before the operation was initiated.”

The special assistant stressed that such major security decisions require broad-based consultation, especially when they directly affect civilian populations. “Operations of this scale should never be conducted without engaging provincial authorities and local representatives,” he said.

Addressing the federal government’s claim regarding the release of Rs 4 billion for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Tirah Valley, Shafee Jan dismissed the statement as “extremely ridiculous.”

“The federal government’s claim about releasing Rs 4 billion for displaced people is laughable,” he said. “The reality is that the provincial government released funds in a timely manner to provide relief to the affected families who were forced to leave their homes.”

He maintained that the KP government took immediate steps to assist displaced residents, including the provision of financial aid, food supplies, shelter, and medical assistance. According to Shafee Jan, provincial authorities acted swiftly to mitigate the suffering of the displaced population, despite limited federal cooperation.

“The provincial government did not wait for federal assistance,” he added. “We ensured that relief reached the affected families without delay.”

Shafee Jan also criticized what he described as a pattern of political blame-shifting by the federal government. “Instead of acknowledging its responsibilities, the federal government is attempting to rewrite facts and divert public attention,” he said.

He warned that such actions could further erode trust between the federation and provinces, particularly at a time when unity and cooperation are crucial for maintaining peace and stability in sensitive regions.

The Tirah Valley, located in the Khyber district, has historically been affected by security operations due to its strategic location and security challenges. Recent developments have once again led to the displacement of local residents, raising concerns among human rights groups and political leaders over humanitarian conditions and the lack of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

Shafee Jan reiterated that the KP government stands with the people of Tirah Valley and will continue to advocate for their rights. “Our priority is the safety, dignity, and rehabilitation of the displaced families,” he said.

He urged the federal government to adopt a more responsible and transparent approach. “Rather than issuing misleading statements, the federal government should focus on coordination, accountability, and ensuring adequate resources for those affected by its decisions,” he said.

The special assistant concluded by saying that sustainable peace in the region can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual trust, and inclusive decision-making. “Security measures must go hand in hand with humanitarian considerations,” he said.

The federal government has yet to issue a detailed response to the KP government’s criticism. However, the ongoing exchange highlights growing tensions between federal and provincial authorities over security operations and responsibility-sharing.