January 22, 2026
By Islam Gul Afridi
KHYBER
Ongoing displacement of thousands of families from their homes in Tirah Valley, has become increasingly difficult and perilous, as heavy rain, intense cold and snowfall has gripped the region, forcing authorities to temporarily suspend the evacuation for two days. Because of the weather conditions leading to security concerns, this pause has left thousands of families in an even worse state, stranded in uncertainty, many of them exposed to freezing temperatures on treacherous mountain roads.
What is normally a short journey of a few hundred kilometres, has now turned into an ordeal lasting several hours. Families fleeing the valley say the harsh weather has exacerbated their suffering, particularly for women, children and the elderly.
A 30-minute journey stretched to six hours
Continuous rain and snowfall since last night have dramatically worsened conditions for those leaving Tirah. Qumandaan, a member of the Zakhakhel tribe from Tirah Valley, reached Bara after an exhausting and dangerous journey.
“We left our area at around six in the evening yesterday,” he said. “But as soon as we set off, heavy rain and snowfall started. The journey became extremely difficult. Women and children who were travelling suffered badly because of the intense cold and the long hours of waiting.”
According to him, what was meant to be a typically 30-minute drive from Larbagh Centre to the Datoi check post, took nearly six hours.
“There was no proper arrangement for fodder for our livestock, nor any means to protect them from the cold,” he added, warning that many animals were also at risk due to exposure.
Panic spreads on social media
The displacement has begun amid a severe cold wave, with reports of a possible military operation in Tirah adding to public anxiety. Local sources say continuous snowfall overnight has blocked several roads, suspending traffic movement in many areas.
A video circulating widely on social media shows a local resident speaking in Pashto, complaining about road closures caused by snowfall. The man claims that security authorities are making announcements for the immediate evacuation of the area.
Double whammy! #TirahValley, already reeling from military’s anti-militant operation, now battered by heavy #Snowfall! Mountain roads blocked, vehicles stranded, and displaced families face new hardship #Tirah #Snowfall pic.twitter.com/ikLV1Or5b3
— Rehmat Mehsud (@RehmatMehsuds) January 22, 2026
“Military officials have instructed people to leave the area by January 23,” he says in the video. “They have warned that anyone who remains after the deadline will be held responsible for any loss or damage.” He added that residents were initially given time until January 25, but vehicle availability has now become scarce and transport fares have surged dramatically.
Two children killed, five injured in accidents
Rescue officials say the extreme weather has already claimed lives. In two separate incidents during the displacement process, two children lost their lives and five people were injured because of the accidents linked to rain and snowfall.
Gul Nawaz Khan, shift in-charge of Rescue in Bara, said timely medical assistance was provided to the injured. “However, due to the severity of the weather, the risk of traffic accidents has increased significantly,” he said. “Rescue officials remains on high alert round the clock to deal with any emergency.”
Why don’t the Pakistanis who wake up shouting about Gaza every morning see what the #PakistanArmy is doing in Tirah Valley? Aren’t Pashtuns Pakistani citizens as well? #بےغیرت_جماعتی #KhawajaAsif #مراد_علی_شاہ_استعفی_دو pic.twitter.com/zGjuDb6MaY
— Zafar Bashir ظفر بشیر (@zafarbashir_) January 21, 2026
Rescue services under strain
Despite the growing pressure caused by mass displacement, rescue officials say no additional manpower or resources have been allocated.
“We are managing with existing staff and equipment,” a rescue official said, adding that ambulances and personnel have been deployed at Datoi and Painda Cheena to respond quickly to emergencies.
Travel restrictions imposed
Meanwhile, the district administration has advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and displacement, imposing restrictions due to severe weather conditions, for January 22 and 23.
Umair Khan, in-charge of the Transport Check Post, said vehicles carrying displaced families were being stopped during daytime at Barbagh to prevent accidents.
“Safety is our priority in these conditions,” he said.
According to Umair Khan, nearly 80 per cent of the population has already left the area, while the remaining 20 per cent will be relocated once the weather improves.
“Most of the families still there live in remote areas, and it takes six to seven hours for them to reach Larbagh Centre,” he explained.
“Due to snowfall, regular vehicles cannot access these areas. We have arranged special small vehicles, and around 70 vehicles will be provided daily on a rotational basis,” he added.
Transport crisis and soaring fares
Displaced residents say the lack of transport and skyrocketing fares have deepened their hardship. Rahman Gul, a resident of Malik Din Khel Tirah, said transport costs had become unaffordable.
“Earlier, a vehicle would cost around Rs15,000,” he said. “Now the fare has crossed Rs40,000. There is no meaningful support from the government, and many drivers are refusing to go to the area because of snowfall.”
Families stranded and trapped in homes
Authorities say efforts are underway to assist families stranded on roads or trapped in their homes due to heavy snowfall. According to Umair Khan a government team has been dispatched to Tirah to deliver food supplies.
“With the help of a 24-member committee of local elders, food items will be delivered to families who are confined to their homes because of the severe weather,” he said.
Over 30,000 families issued tokens
Despite widespread reports of evacuation announcements by security agencies, the district administration has yet to issue an official stance on the matter. Officials say more than 30,000 families have so far been issued displacement tokens, while the relocation process of approximately 7,500 families has been fully completed.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the deadline for evacuation from Tirah has been extended beyond January 25, but district authorities have not verified this information so far.
As snow continues to fall and temperatures plunge, displaced families from Tirah Valley remain caught between harsh weather, limited resources and deep uncertainty about what lies ahead.