KHYBER: Officials say that around 80-85 percent of residents of the restive Tirah Valley have been evacuated, though harsh weather continues to disrupt the ongoing relief and displacement process. Heavy snowfall has temporarily halted evacuations, leaving the remaining families stranded in their homes with limited access to essential supplies.
Read More: Rescue teams save 1,500 amid Tirah snowstorm
Authorities reported that families who had previously left Tirah and were stranded due to snow storms have finally reached Bara after two days of intensive rescue operations. However, the slow pace of registration along the 110-kilometre road from Tirah to Bara has added to the hardships of displaced families, with many enduring sleepless nights in freezing temperatures.
District officials said that while the evacuation process has been extended, no exact completion date has been given. The extension allows families to remain in the valley until the weather improves, after which the remaining 15 percent of residents will be relocated.
In #TirahValley, amid freezing winds and heavy snowfall, Alkhidmat volunteers remain on the ground supporting families and children.
From rescuing snow-trapped vehicles and clearing roads to providing food, warm bedding, clothing, sweaters, medicines, and basic medical care… pic.twitter.com/m8jl6EKTkz
— Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan (@AlkhidmatOrg) January 28, 2026
To facilitate displaced families, the district administration has increased the number of registration centers in Bara. In addition to the Paindi Cheena center, four new centers have been established in Alamgudar, Bar Qambarkhel, Malakdin Khel, and Qambarabad. Separate desks for female registration have also been introduced to respect local customs. Verification is being aided by tribal elders, bank staff, and mobile network representatives, using previous polio vaccination records to confirm identities.
Local tribal elders and former parliamentarians have criticized the federal and provincial governments, accusing them of forcing residents out to clear the way for a military operation. Calls for transparency in registration, compensation for losses, and audits of relief funds have intensified amid growing frustration.
Read More: Tirah residents face long delays amid mass evacuation
Most newly displaced families are staying with relatives in Bara or Peshawar, while authorities have begun registering Zakhakhel families previously denied assistance. Officials have pledged to continue relief and registration efforts once weather conditions improve.