Security, governance, and basic services lacking in Tirah Valley: IG FC

WEB DESK: Security and administrative challenges, coupled with a lack of health, education, and basic facilities, are creating a precarious situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tirah Valley, Frontier Corps (FC) have officials said.

Inspector General of the Frontier Corps (IG FC) North Khyber Pakhtunkhwa highlighted that criminal and militant groups, including Fitna-ul-Khawarij, are exploiting the region’s instability, generating revenue through drug trafficking and extortion. The IG noted that the province shares a 1,224-kilometre border with Afghanistan, including 717 km of snow-covered and rugged terrain, high peaks, and narrow valleys, making monitoring and security enforcement difficult.

To curb infiltration, the Frontier Corps (FC) has installed surveillance cameras and erected barriers to restrict free movement across the border. Despite these efforts, the IG recalled last year’s attack in Bagh Maidan, where 64 FC personnel were martyred and 198 injured. In some areas, such as Dawatoi, narrow routes cannot be properly checked, and only three police personnel are deployed to monitor entire populations.

Wing Commander officials reported that Tirah Valley lacks government schools and hospitals, leaving residents dependent on the FC for education and even basic medical care. The FC has established 16 schools with recruited teachers and conducts free medical camps for locals.

Drug sales, extortion, and funding by militant groups continue to pose a serious challenge, with resources often used against security forces and the local population, the officials warned.

The authorities emphasised the urgent need for enhanced governance, security, and public services to stabilise the valley and prevent further exploitation by criminal elements.