January 26, 2026
By Islam Gul Afridi
BARA
After a plethora of complaints, the formal registration of families displaced from Tirah Valley has finally started from Monday at multiple locations in Bara. The process involves verification by local elders, confirmation of names in the polio immunisation lists, biometric verification by Nadra teams, and the opening of bank accounts, after which each family is formally registered.
The registration of Shahid Khan, a resident of Wersak in Tirah Valley, was completed the first day. He described the process as ‘satisfactory’, adding that he had migrated on January 16 and had obtained a token en route.
“The registration here was carried out in an organised manner and I faced no difficulties. On the basis of this documentation, we will now be able to receive transport fare for our vehicle,” he said.
Earlier, on January 5, a registration centre had been established at Paind Cheena, about 70 kilometres from Bara. However, displaced residents from Tirah had repeatedly complained that a large number of people from other Afridi tribal areas were getting themselves registered there, leading to overcrowding and, at times, protests that forced the suspension of the process. Eventually, registration centres were set up in Bara and other nearby areas for all tribes, except the Kamar Khel and Adam Khel.
Local elders said the registration process was being closely monitored, and any complaints would be taken up with the relevant authorities. Khalil Khan Afridi, a social activist from the Shalobar Qambar tribe, said the process had begun on Monday and that a clearer picture of the challenges faced by people would emerge by the evening. “The displaced people of Tirah have already endured severe hardships during migration. We want this process to be transparent and smooth so that they are not subjected to further difficulties,” he said, adding that any problems would be raised with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and elected representatives.
The second phase of displacement from Tirah, prompted by the possibility of a military operation, is taking place amid worsening weather conditions. Heavy snowfall on the nights of January 21 and 22 caused severe difficulties for families travelling by road, while those still stranded in the area also reported acute hardships. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, further rain and snowfall are expected from Sunday night to Tuesday, which could exacerbate the problems faced by displaced families.
The president of the Bara Political Alliance, who recently returned after travelling through Tirah, said many people were stranded along the routes due to heavy snowfall, facing extreme hardships.
“Women, children and the elderly suffered the most. There were no proper arrangements for protection from the cold or for food,” he said, claiming that a girl and a woman had died due to the severe cold. He further alleged that nearly 50 per cent of Tirah’s population remained trapped in their homes, without access to food, as markets had either shut down or traders had shifted their supplies elsewhere.
He urged the provincial government to devise an emergency plan and provide helicopter assistance to deliver food and relief to those still stranded before the next spell of snowfall.
Another displaced resident, Shakir Khan, said he had spent a night on the road due to snowfall before reaching Bara on Monday. He said overturned vehicles had blocked roads at several points, while those stranded had no access to food or water. “The worst situation is of those who are still trapped in their homes, as they cannot even obtain ration supplies because shops are closed,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 officials said that an emergency operation had been underway in Tirah Valley for more than 36 hours in view of the situation created by heavy snowfall. Despite freezing temperatures, sub-zero conditions and difficult terrain, rescue personnel remained in the field, conducting uninterrupted relief activities. So far, more than 1,100 affected individuals have been safely rescued and over 120 stranded vehicles recovered with the help of emergency vehicles and heavy machinery.
More than 100 rescue officers and personnel from Khyber, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera districts are taking part in the operation. The teams have shifted affected people to safer locations and provided essential assistance, while relief efforts continue.
The government had earlier directed that the evacuation from Tirah be completed by January 25; however, according to unverified reports, the deadline may be extended.