JUST:
Bara Political Alliance has escalated its protest movement against the worsening displacement crisis in Tirah Valley and increasing insecurity in Bara Akakhel, Khyber tribal district.
The alliance has called a grand Afridi jirga on May 2 to finalize future action, including a possible protest in Peshawar.
Alliance president Hasham Khan Afridi told The Express Pakinomist that displaced families from Tirah are facing extreme hardship while the law and order situation in Bara Akakhel has become alarming. “A united struggle is now inevitable to solve these problems,” he said. The Jirga will bring together the 24-member Tirah Committee, elected representatives, political and social organizations and members from various walks of life.
A preliminary grand jirga held on March 30 issued a detailed charter of demands. The provincial government has been urged to immediately implement 35 agreed points with the 24-member committee. These include a comprehensive strategy for the dignified return of displaced persons to resume cultivation on their lands, and assured compensation to landowners affected by development projects.
The jirga also demanded that locals be given priority in new police recruitments in Tirah and that displaced families be given financial support without delay, including Rs 250,000 and Rs 50,000 per month. The jirga declared the unrest in Bara Akakhel serious and called for prompt and effective government action.
All political parties, national councils, student groups, medical associations and trade associations have been appealed to ensure full participation in the May 2 jirga to finalize protest sites and strategy. The declaration reiterated a commitment to constitutional and peaceful means in the struggle for rights.
Meanwhile, Khyal Zaman Afridi, chairman of Akakhel National Council, noted that residents of Kanduri Kalli in Bara have already been forced to migrate due to insecurity and homes in Alam Kalli have also been damaged. The recording of Akakhel casualties remains incomplete, and civilian deaths from drone strikes remain a major concern.
“Meetings with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and relevant officials have taken place and assurances were given,” Khyal Zaman said. “But if the demands are not met within two days, we will launch protests against Peshawar. The Akakhel tribe will be at the forefront.”
Sohbat Khan Afridi, spokesperson of Tirah Victims’ Movement, endorsed the alliance’s plan and pledged full support for dignified rehabilitation of Tirah victims and an end to unrest.
Separately, MNA Haji Muhammad Iqbal Afridi said that all available resources are being used to solve the problems of the victims. Noting that there is no clear written agreement on the return of the victims, he urged the 24-member committee to reveal details for practical action. He added that contacts with the provincial government on the Bara Akakhel unrest are ongoing, with hopes for an immediate improvement.
A protest sit-in by the Tirah Victims’ Movement outside the Bara Press Club has continued for 77 consecutive days, with victims demanding their rights.
