KHYBER: Tirah IDPs have expressed scepticism about the government’s plan to begin the Tirah IDPs return on October 10, raising concerns about harsh winter weather, destroyed homes and unpaid compensation.
According to The News, the authorities decided that the return and rehabilitation of families displaced from the Maidan area of Tirah Valley would begin in phases from October 10. A 24-member committee, along with officials, visited Maidan to review arrangements for the return.
The return will cover displaced families belonging to six Afridi tribes. Sources said 50 to 80 families would return each day at first, with the number increasing gradually once the system was streamlined.
Tirah IDPs return: Concerns over the return date
Members of the affected families and their representative committee have expressed reservations about the proposed date. Maulana Hazrat Khan, a member of the 24-member committee, told Voicepk that the date was too far off.
“In October, a severe cold wave sets in across Tirah Valley, which will make it impossible to repair homes and other property there. Therefore, the return date should not be pushed so far back,” he said. He added that talks with the authorities were continuing to fix an earlier date.
Tirah IDPs return: Compensation and security demands
Representatives of the displaced families have said they will not return until lasting peace is fully restored in Tirah. They have also complained that the financial assistance announced by the government, including Rs250,000 per family and a monthly stipend of Rs50,000, has not been fully disbursed.
Muhammad Zahid, president of the Tirah Siyasi Ittehad, said at a press conference that more than half of the displaced families were still deprived of the financial package. The leaders said any decision on return would depend on the complete restoration of peace.
Administration’s position
Deputy Commissioner Khyber Shahid Ali said the formal return process would begin on October 10. During a visit to Tirah Maidan on September 27, he met a jirga of elders and the 24-member committee and discussed the return, restoration of basic facilities and development projects.
The elders briefed him on issues related to roads, bridges, healthcare, education, water, electricity and communication networks. The deputy commissioner said the return was not limited to bringing families back, and that restoring basic services was also among the administration’s priorities.
Tirah IDPs return: When does the Tirah return begin?
Authorities have set October 10 as the start of the phased return of displaced families from Tirah Valley’s Maidan area. Between 50 and 80 families are expected to return each day in the initial phase.
Which families are returning?
The return covers displaced families belonging to six Afridi tribes from the Maidan area of Tirah Valley. The process will be carried out in phases to keep administrative arrangements manageable.
Why are the IDPs sceptical?
The displaced families say October is too late because severe cold sets in across Tirah Valley, making it impossible to repair damaged homes. They also want the promised compensation disbursed and lasting peace restored before they return.
What compensation was announced?
The government announced Rs250,000 per displaced family along with a monthly stipend of Rs50,000. Representatives of the IDPs say more than half of the families have not yet received the package.
