Jirga demands immediate, dignified return of displaced Tirah residents

BARA: Speakers at a jirga organised by the Bara Siyasi Ittehad on Saturday urged the government to ensure the immediate and dignified return of people displaced from Tirah Valley in Khyber tribal district.

The gathering discussed the broader situation in Tirah Valley and Bara in detail, with participants focusing on the difficulties faced by displaced residents and the need for concrete action.

Those who attended the jirga included Bara Siyasi Ittehad President Hashim Khan Afridi, General Secretary Malik Attaullah Afridi, Awami National Party leaders Shireen Afridi and Sadique Chiragh, Fata Qaumi Jirga Chairman Malik Bismillah Afridi, Jamaat-e-Islami leaders Shah Faisal Afridi and Khan Wali Afridi, PPP Khyber President Sher Shah Afridi, and PML-N leaders Zahir Shah and Asghar Khan Afridi, along with other elders.

Speakers said people displaced from Tirah had endured homelessness, insecurity and severe hardship for years despite cooperating with state institutions and showing patience and sacrifice.

"Even today, they continue to be deprived of their basic human, constitutional, and tribal rights," Khan Wali Afridi said.

He called for the restoration of law and order in the area, the dignified return of displaced persons, and the immediate implementation of commitments made by the provincial government.

Other speakers at the jirga said serious and practical steps were needed to resolve the problems confronting the displaced population and to ensure the provision of basic facilities.

Declaration issued after jirga

According to a declaration issued at the end of the meeting, the president of Bara Siyasi Ittehad said a final decision regarding a protest in Peshawar would be announced after a consultative meeting scheduled for next Saturday.

He also thanked participants for their active involvement in the jirga and emphasised the importance of preserving unity and cohesion.

The jirga brought together political figures and local elders from multiple parties and groups, reflecting a joint demand for action on the return of displaced residents from Tirah Valley and for measures to address their longstanding concerns.

The participants’ statements centred on the restoration of order, fulfilment of official commitments, and arrangements for the return of affected families with dignity.