Web Desk; The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government on Monday strongly condemned the deaths of civilians in Tirah, a remote area of Khyber district, during what were described as “operations against terrorists.”
The incident, which reportedly involved aerial strikes that flattened several houses, has sparked widespread criticism and calls for an independent investigation.
According to a senior police officer, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, “jets targeted four houses, which were completely destroyed.” The officer did not specify which authority carried out the strikes. Reports of the incident immediately drew concern from political leaders, human rights groups, and local representatives.
In a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was quoted as saying that the loss of civilian lives was “regrettable and condemnable.” He stressed that the killing of innocent people under the guise of counterterrorism operations was “unacceptable.”
Following the tragedy, Gandapur held a meeting with a delegation from the affected district. The session was attended by PTI MNA Iqbal Afridi, the KP chief secretary, additional chief secretary (home), commissioner Peshawar, and other senior officials. The meeting reviewed the security situation in the wake of the Tirah incident.
The chief minister announced a compensation package of Rs10 million for the families of each victim. He also emphasized the importance of preventing similar tragedies in the future.
As part of this, the meeting decided to convene a jirga comprising elected representatives, local elders, and leaders of all political parties, who will engage in dialogue with top military officials. The jirga is expected to outline a strategy for peace and order in Tirah, modeled on the arrangements earlier implemented in Bajaur.
The statement underlined the need to build trust with local communities to secure peace in the volatile region, which has long been a hotspot for militant activity and counterterrorism operations.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said it was “deeply shocked” by reports of the bombing, which allegedly resulted in several civilian deaths.
The HRCP demanded “an immediate and impartial inquiry” and called for those responsible to be held accountable. It reminded the state of its constitutional responsibility to protect civilians’ right to life—a responsibility it has “repeatedly failed to secure.”
KP Assembly Speaker Babar Swati echoed the call for accountability, urging both federal and provincial governments to conduct a transparent investigation. He stressed that relief and rehabilitation measures for affected families must follow alongside compensation. In a post on his official X account, he lamented the “martyrdom of innocent civilians and the destruction of homes due to bombardment by jet aircraft.”
Sohail Afridi, special assistant to the chief minister, also raised the issue in the KP Assembly, terming the tragedy “horrifying.” He alleged that at least 25 people, including women and children, were killed when bombs and mortars struck residential compounds. These claims, however, remain unverified.
MNA Iqbal Afridi also issued a video message in Pashto, expressing sorrow and urging protests against the killings. He alleged that civilian casualties in the tribal districts have become “routine.”
The Tirah incident follows a series of similar tragedies. In May, 22 people were injured in an alleged quadcopter strike in South Waziristan’s Wana tehsil, while another suspected drone strike in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali killed four children and injured five others.
At the time, the military denied responsibility, blaming the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for the attack.
As the investigation unfolds, the latest Tirah tragedy has reignited concerns about the protection of civilians in conflict zones and the urgent need for accountability in counterterrorism operations.
