PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Sunday announced a province-wide jirga and a protest march towards Islamabad in response to the “forced displacement” of residents from the Tirah Valley, escalating tensions between the provincial and federal governments.
Speaking at a large gathering at Jamrud Sports Complex, Afridi condemned the alleged displacement, saying hundreds of families had been compelled to leave their homes amid fears of a military operation. The provincial government and affected residents rejected the federal government’s claim that the movement was part of routine seasonal migration, describing it instead as coercion that left many families struggling in harsh winter conditions.
Afridi also disclosed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited him for a meeting to discuss provincial rights, adding that he plans to raise the concerns of K-P residents and press for the release of outstanding dues owed to the province.
He warned that decisions taken “behind closed doors” in the federal government would no longer be acceptable and said a date for the Islamabad march would be finalized soon.
In addition, Afridi announced the creation of a relief fund for the poor in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and urged citizens to contribute ahead of Ramadan. During his address, he also condemned the recent terror attacks in Balochistan, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.
The announcement has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the growing friction over federal-provincial coordination and the government’s handling of displacement in conflict-affected areas. Authorities in Islamabad are reportedly engaging with the provincial leadership ahead of the planned protest to avert further escalation.
This development adds to ongoing debates about provincial autonomy, security operations, and humanitarian concerns in the region, putting pressure on both federal and provincial administrations to address grievances before the march takes place.
