Afridi jirga called as Tirah crisis deepens

Alliance warns of Peshawar protest over displacement, insecurity

BARA:

The Bara Political Alliance has escalated its protest movement against the worsening displacement crisis in the Tirah Valley and rising insecurity in Bara Akakhel, Khyber tribal district.

The alliance has summoned a grand Afridi jirga on May 2 to finalise a future course of action, including a possible protest in Peshawar.

Alliance President Hasham Khan Afridi told The Express Tribune that displaced families from Tirah are enduring extreme hardship, while the law and order situation in Bara Akakhel has become alarming. "A united struggle is now inevitable to resolve these issues," he said. The jirga will bring together the 24-member Tirah Committee, elected representatives, political and social organisations, and members from various walks of life.

A preliminary grand jirga held on March 30 issued a detailed charter of demands. The provincial government has been urged to immediately implement 35 agreed-upon points with the 24-member committee. These include a comprehensive strategy for the dignified return of displaced persons so they can restart cultivation on their lands, and assured compensation for landowners affected by development projects.

The jirga also demanded that locals be prioritised in new police recruitments in Tirah, and that displaced families be given pending financial aid, including Rs250,000 and Rs50,000 monthly, without delay. Declaring the unrest in Bara Akakhel serious, the jirga called for urgent and effective government action.

All political parties, national councils, student groups, doctors' unions, and trader communities have been appealed to ensure full participation in the May 2 jirga to finalise protest venues and strategy. The statement reiterated a commitment to constitutional and peaceful means in the struggle for rights.

Meanwhile, Khyal Zaman Afridi, chairman of the Akakhel National Council, noted that residents of Kanduri Kalli in Bara have already been forced to migrate due to insecurity, and homes in Alam Kalli have also been damaged. Registration of Akakhel victims remains incomplete, and civilian deaths from drone strikes remain a major concern.

"Meetings with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and relevant officials have taken place, and assurances were given," Khyal Zaman said. "But if demands are not met within two days, we will launch protests toward Peshawar. The Akakhel tribe will be at the forefront."

Sohbat Khan Afridi, spokesperson for the Tirah Victims' Movement, backed the alliance's plan, vowing full support for dignified rehabilitation of Tirah victims and an end to unrest.

Separately, MNA Haji Muhammad Iqbal Afridi said all available resources are being utilised to resolve victims' issues. He noted there is no clear written agreement on the return of victims, urging the 24-member committee to disclose details for practical action. He added that contacts with the provincial government on Bara Akakhel unrest are ongoing, with hope for improvement soon.

A protest sit-in by the Tirah Victims' Movement outside the Bara Press Club has continued for 77 consecutive days, with victims demanding their rights.