PHC Denies Federal or KP Government Authorization for Tirah Operation

The Peshawar ⁤High ⁣Court was informed on Friday that neither the federal nor the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government had⁣ authorised any⁤ military operation in Tirah Valley, ⁢as⁣ both governments distanced themselves from duty during the hearing of a petition concerning the‍ alleged operation and the resulting displacement of residents.

A ‍two-member bench, comprising Justice Waqar Ahmad and Justice⁢ Faheem Wali, heard the writ petition filed against the alleged military action ⁢and the hardships faced by‍ local residents, including displacement amid severe cold and⁢ snowfall. K-P Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel⁤ and Additional Attorney General Sanaullah represented the provincial and federal governments, respectively.

Both law officers⁣ told the court that no formal approval for an operation in Tirah⁣ had been issued by ⁤their respective governments.

The petitioner’s counsel, Barrister Saud javed, argued that residents were being‍ forced to leave their ‍homes due to the ⁤situation, but it remained unclear who authorised the operation ⁢and whether any approval⁢ had ‍been taken from the relevant assemblies.

read: K-P CM doubles down, calls Khyber jirga meeting for sunday to settle Tirah displacement controversy

The court issued a⁢ notice to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and directed it to submit a report within one week. It also ordered ⁤the immediate release of funds for affected residents and summoned tribal elders at the next hearing to verify whether displaced persons are receiving⁢ assistance at government-established relief camps.

The court also called the relief secretary to⁢ appear ⁤and directed both federal and provincial governments to submit detailed reports. The hearing⁤ was adjourned until Febuary 12.

Friction between the federal ⁤and ‍K-P ⁤governments‍ over the Tirah Valley ⁤situation has continued unabated.