Tirah Jirga Bold 7-Point Move as KP CM Announces Another Grand Jirga
Tirah Jirga Bold – KP CM’s Push for a New Grand Jirga and Rising Tensions
KHYBER: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced that he will soon convene a grand jirga to consult people across the province on whether a protest march towards Islamabad should be launched. He made this announcement during the Tirah Jirga Bold gathering held at Jamrud Sports Complex, a venue that has become central to the ongoing debate about displacement in Tirah Valley.
Afridi reminded the participants that the federal government had recently claimed that neither the Centre nor the military issued any directive for the “depopulation” of the valley. According to him, the Tirah Jirga Bold exposed the confusion created by conflicting statements coming from Islamabad.
The Dispute Over Tirah Valley
In recent weeks, hundreds of families left their homes in the Tirah region. Many believed this was tied to a potential military action, while the federal government insisted these were normal seasonal movements. This back-and-forth created a serious argument between federal and provincial authorities.
Families who evacuated the valley found themselves in bitter cold, living under open skies with little to no assistance. Mismanagement added to their suffering. During Tirah Jirga Bold, locals voiced their frustration, saying this was not a misunderstanding but the result of poor planning and a lack of honesty from those in power.
A Charged Atmosphere at Tirah Jirga Bold
Speaking to an emotionally charged audience, Afridi asked a direct question:
Would they stand with him and march towards Islamabad to protest the “atrocities,” “forced displacement,” and the “government’s U-turn”?
People responded loudly, showing their anger and exhaustion with the situation. Afridi said he would visit the merged districts, take local residents into confidence, and then call a grand jirga before announcing the final date for a potential march.
He stressed during Tirah Jirga Bold that decisions about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must be made by its own people. He added that closed-door decisions in Islamabad were no longer acceptable to anyone in the region.
Harsh Words for the Federal Government
Afridi accused some elements of trying to destabilize his government. He claimed conspiracies were being hatched to impose governor’s rule or get him disqualified through “fabricated cases.” He also claimed that people wanted to eliminate him because he refused to follow the narrative of his political opponents.
He said during Tirah Jirga Bold that he feared no one and that he would stand firm because “a tribal never bows down.” This sentiment drew loud applause from the crowd.
Funds Controversy: Afridi Responds
The chief minister addressed allegations about the misuse of four billion rupees allocated for displaced families. He stated openly that if required, he could release even one hundred billion rupees. He argued that the federal government had already backed out of its previous promise of offering four hundred thousand rupees per family affected by earlier operations.
He assured participants of Tirah Jirga Bold that those who misused funds would face strict punishment. He said accountability must be transparent and public.
A Sense of Discrimination
Afridi said the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were being treated like second-class citizens. He described himself as a soldier of Imran Khan and promised that he would never stop raising his voice for the rights of his people. The audience at Tirah Jirga Bold responded strongly, agreeing that KP has long been neglected.
Federal Government’s Statements Under Fire
The federal government claimed that the migration from Tirah was seasonal. Afridi dismissed this as a “joke” and said that when international media showed the real situation, the federal government immediately shifted its stance.
He told listeners of Tirah Jirga Bold that the suffering of families, children, and elderly people was visible to the world. He questioned how such hardship could be called routine, especially when people were sitting in freezing temperatures without shelter.
Rising Distrust and a Warning
Afridi warned that the federal government’s conflicting statements about Tirah might cause people to lose confidence in the security establishment. He added that he would travel to Islamabad on Monday to meet the prime minister and present the case of the province.
Participants at Tirah Jirga Bold agreed that the public must be kept informed and that tribal regions should not be ignored any longer.
A Relief Fund for Ramazan
Toward the end of the event, the chief minister announced a relief fund to support poor and vulnerable families during Ramazan. He urged wealthy individuals to contribute. This decision also became an important point of discussion during Tirah Jirga Bold, as it showed that the government was at least attempting to address immediate needs.
The Road Ahead
The political situation around Tirah Valley has turned into a major flashpoint. Provincial and federal authorities are offering contradictory explanations, people have been displaced, and the blame game continues.
Throughout all this, Tirah Jirga Bold has emerged as a symbol of resistance, frustration, and unity.
