CM Afridi faces Tirah protest during Eid visit

Displaced families seek rehabilitation, home rebuilding, speedy return

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi visited his ancestral area of Shalubar on the occasion of Eidul Azha, where he held meetings with local tribal elders, notables, and residents.

The visit, however, was marked by a protest demonstration outside his residence by families displaced from the Tirah Valley.

Upon arrival, the Chief Minister extended Eid greetings to the people and assured them of his government's full cooperation in resolving long-standing issues of the area. Tight security arrangements were put in place during the visit. Several delegations also called on the Chief Minister and presented their suggestions regarding local problems and ongoing development projects.

Meanwhile, the Tirah Affectees Movement organized a protest demonstration outside the Chief Minister's residence in Shalubar. Protesters carrying placards and banners chanted slogans and demanded the immediate rehabilitation and dignified return of displaced families from Tirah Maidan. Many held banners highlighting demands for basic amenities including health facilities, education, electricity, and clean drinking water.

Speaking to journalists, protest organizers said that successive governments had made repeated promises to the Tirah affectees, but those assurances have yet to be translated into action. Thousands of families remain homeless and are facing severe hardships due to prolonged displacement. They accused the authorities of unnecessary delays in the repatriation and rehabilitation process.

The demonstrators demanded a special financial package for the reconstruction of homes destroyed during past conflicts, an accelerated and honorable return of all displaced families, and immediate steps for the provision of essential services in the area. They warned that if their demands were not addressed promptly, they would expand the scope of their protests across the province.

As of now, no formal statement has been issued by the Chief Minister's office regarding the specific demands raised by the Tirah affectees. However, sources within the provincial government indicated that relevant authorities have been directed to assess the situation and prepare a report on the grievances of the displaced families.

The Tirah Valley, located in the Khyber district, has witnessed significant displacement in previous years due to security operations and militancy. Many residents were forced to leave their homes, with thousands still awaiting full rehabilitation and restoration of normal life.

The Chief Minister's visit to Shalubar was seen as an attempt to strengthen connections with his home constituency and listen to grassroots concerns during the festive season. While local residents welcomed the engagement, the parallel protest underscored the deep frustration among Tirah affectees over the slow pace of government response to their plight.

Political observers note that addressing the long-standing issues of displaced families in merged tribal districts remains a major challenge for the provincial government. Timely resolution of such grievances could play a crucial role in restoring public confidence in the region's development and peace process.