No operation underway in Tirah Valley: KP Governor Kundi

ISLAMABAD: Federal representatives leaders on Wednesday categorically rejected reports of a military operation in Tirah Valley, saying no such action is currently underway or planned, while trading sharp political accusations over security, governance and corruption in the province. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi echoed the federal government’s position, saying unequivocally that no operation was underway in Tirah Valley and that Islamabad had no intention of launching one.

“The sacrifices of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cannot be forgotten,” Kundi said, stressing that maintaining peace and law and order was the responsibility of the provincial government.

He said the fight against terrorism remained essential but accused the KP government of failing to take decisive and responsible steps to ensure stability.

Separately, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said there was “no operation taking place in Tirah Valley” and stressed that if any such action became necessary, it would be announced openly and conducted transparently.

“If the federal government ever decides to launch an operation, there is no reason to hide it,” Chaudhry said, dismissing what he described as “negative politics” surrounding the sensitive border region.

‘Any operation will be announced publicly’

Talal Chaudhry said security actions under the National Action Plan (NAP) were continuing across the country to counter terrorism, but clarified that these should not be confused with a full-scale military operation.

“If an operation is required, it will be carried out after informing everyone,” he said, adding that rumours were being deliberately spread to create fear and unrest among local residents.

The minister accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of politicising the Tirah Valley issue, alleging that the party wanted an operation but was reluctant to state its position clearly.

He further claimed that funds meant for relief and assistance to the people of Tirah Valley had been misappropriated, saying corruption scandals, including the Kohistan case, were evidence of governance failures.

“PTI leaders fabricate political narratives and make excuses to conceal corruption, while also targeting state institutions,” Chaudhry said.

Call for coordination, apex committee meeting

Governor Kundi urged the provincial leadership to engage constructively with the federal government to resolve security and administrative challenges, rather than resorting to political confrontation.

“All issues should be resolved by sitting together with the federation,” he said, calling on the chief minister to convene a meeting of the provincial apex committee.

He added that the chief minister must demonstrate seriousness in addressing the province’s problems, warning that political point-scoring would only deepen instability.

The governor also launched a scathing attack on PTI, alleging that some party leaders were willing to engage with “anti-state elements” and questioning why the provincial government was building such connections.

Kundi further remarked that the PTI founder was “facing the consequences of his own actions,” underscoring growing tensions between the federal government and the KP administration.

The strong statements from both federal and provincial figures come amid heightened speculation and political rhetoric surrounding security conditions in Tirah Valley, a region that has historically borne the brunt of militancy and military operations.