PESHAWAR: Residents of Tirah Valley are facing prolonged delays in their evacuation after authorities ordered the displacement of families to prepare for a military operation against terrorist elements in the region. The 110-kilometre journey from Bagh Maidan to Bara, normally completed in three to four hours, has stretched into several days due to registration procedures, road congestion, and harsh winter conditions.
Read More: Weather conditions force temporary halt to Tirah valley displacement
Families are required to register at Bara Markaz before proceeding to Dwa Thoye, where they receive transportation reimbursements. They then trek to Paindi Cheena and Mandi Kas to obtain mobile SIM cards and official grants. The long queues at these points, combined with heavy rain and snow, have left many stranded on the roads, awaiting completion of formalities.
Unlike previous displacements in the region from 2008 to 2012, no temporary camps have been established, as most of Tirah’s approximately 30,000 households already have alternative accommodations near Peshawar. Many are staying with relatives or in winter homes.
Authorities have struggled to manage the sudden influx of evacuees, often relocating registration and biometric verification centers to cope with crowds. Incidents of road blockages and damage to registration booths have been reported as families seek to move quickly amid freezing temperatures.
The evacuation process was suspended on Thursday to clear the backlog of families still stranded, with authorities announcing that operations would resume only after weather conditions improve.
Read More: Snow traps IDPs in Valley Tirah, rescue underway
Residents had resisted leaving their homes despite repeated warnings, as militants in the area refused to vacate. Locals, unwilling to confront the armed groups, ultimately had no choice but to evacuate. Many families, still rebuilding from previous operations, described the situation as being caught “between the devil and the deep sea,” highlighting the ongoing hardships faced by Tirah’s inhabitants.