PESHAWAR, Dec 22 (APP): The residents of Tirah Valley in Khyber district will commence temporary displacement from January 10, 2026, ahead of a targeted security operation against militants, following a successful agreement between the district administration and a 24-member tribal committee of elders.

According to the meeting held on Sunday between the district administration and the tribal committee, they confirmed the success of negotiations. The committee members informed that most of their demands were accepted by authorities, with some approved subject to amendments, paving the way for relocation and compensation arrangements prior to the operation.

Tirah Valley, situated along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and spanning parts of Khyber and Orakzai districts, has seen a resurgence in militancy in recent months. The local residents had initially presented 27 demands, insisting on their fulfillment before agreeing to temporary relocation.

Kamaluddin, head of the Tirah tribal committee, told media that a timeframe for relocation had been finalized, with residents to vacate homes between January 10 and January 25, 2026.

He said the government would provide transport, food, and medical facilities to displaced families. A targeted operation against militants would follow completion of the displacement.

Kamaluddin added that compensation for operation-related damage included Rs3 million for fully destroyed houses and Rs1 million for partially damaged ones. Displaced families would receive Rs250,000 for relocation and resettlement expenses, plus Rs50,000 per household monthly.

The committee demanded return of residents within two months, no formation of peace committees in Maidan area post-operation, no new operations thereafter, and government responsibility for law and order. Demands also covered restoration of education, establishment of a cadet college, completion of hospitals, development of tourist sites, provision of electricity and gas, water supply resolution, and other facilities. Kamaluddin said all were accepted, with some procedural adjustments.

An official of Khyber district administration, who attended the meeting confirmed the negotiations’ success and accuracy of details shared by the committee.

While no formal announcement has been made regarding a large-scale operation in Tirah Valley, security officials have indicated targeted actions against militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Tirah Valley, covering nearly 100 kilometers and known for its scenic beauty, has seen increased militancy following the Afghan Taliban’s interim government establishment, due to its border proximity.

Pakistani authorities allege militants cross from Afghanistan for attacks before retreating, an issue repeatedly raised with Afghan counterparts who deny hosting banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) elements. Historically, Tirah and Khyber were strongholds of Lashkar-e-Islam under Mangal Bagh, killed in a 2021 landmine blast in Afghanistan. The area underwent military operations Khyber-1 to Khyber-4 between 2014 and 2017, clearing militants at the time.