A contradiction has emerged between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and its own Adviser on Information and Broadcasting, Shafi Jan.
On one hand, the provincial government imposed an emergency to carry out relief operations in Tirah Valley. On the other hand, Chief Minister’s Special Assistant on Information Shafi Jan termed the move incorrect and wrote a misleading letter to Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Attaullah Tarar regarding security and relief operations.
On December 26, 2025, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department issued a notification imposing an emergency in Khyber district under Sections 16(A)(1) and (2) of the National Disaster Management Act 2010.
The notification, signed by Secretary Sohail Khan, was based on a report from the Deputy Commissioner Khyber. The report pointed to an expected temporary and voluntary relocation of population from some areas of Tirah (Bagh).
According to the notification, the possible relocation was in line with the wishes of local residents. These wishes emerged through a representative jirga held at the district level, keeping in view weather conditions, logistical issues and ground realities.
The purpose of imposing the emergency was to facilitate transport, food supply, temporary shelter, registration points and other relief arrangements.
Under the notification, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and the district administration were authorised to immediately start relief activities. All expenses were to be met from the relief account, with strict maintenance of financial and stock records.
The notification clearly stated that the emergency was imposed “solely for humanitarian preparedness and facilitation of relief”.
Shafi Jan’s letter
However, on the other hand, the Chief Minister’s Special Assistant on Information and Public Relations, Shafi Jan, wrote a letter to Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, attempting to mislead the public by shifting responsibility for the entire operation to the federal government.
In the letter, Shafi Jan explicitly said that the relief operations have led to the ‘forced displacement’ of the people of Tirah Valley and also impact economic activities.
Nonetheless, the provincial government on December 26, had formally authorized the operation. He also claimed that the evacuation orders came without the consultation of the provincial government and the elected leadership.
As a result, the provincial government was left with no choice but to intervene on an emergency basis even though the notification was issued by the provincial government of KP.
While covering up corruption in the funds allocated for internally displaced persons, Shafi Jan wrote in the letter, the responsibility for relief, rehabilitation and compensation of victims resulting from actions taken under federal authority which include actions under relief and civil powers, lies with the federal government.
Previously, the federal government had released Rs.4000,000,000 for the relief operation. The provincial government has spent it on political activities such as protests, rallies and demonstrations, he added.
Shafi Jan further laid emphasis on the need for constitutional balance, transparency and coherence between policies and ground realities.
