In a clarification issued late on Saturday, the ministry said the assertions were baseless, malicious and driven by ulterior motives aimed at creating public alarm, spreading disinformation against security institutions and furthering vested political interests.

The statement came after evacuations began in Tirah’s Maidan area on January 9 in preparation for a security operation, which is expected to conclude within two months, with rehabilitation and returns planned for April 5.

According to the ministry, no directives had been issued by the federal government or the armed forces to depopulate the area, which lies in Khyber district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa near the Afghan border.

It said law enforcement agencies were carrying out routine targeted and intelligence based operations against terrorist elements, adding that these actions were planned in a way that avoided disruption to peaceful civilian life and did not require depopulation or forced migration.

The ministry also referred to concerns expressed by local residents about the presence of militants, saying the people of Tirah wanted peace and stability in the area.

It said the KP Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Department had issued a notification on December 26, 2025, releasing funds of around Rs4 billion for what was described as anticipated temporary and voluntary movement of population from certain localities in Tirah.

According to the statement, the provincial government requested facilitation for advance preparedness and relief arrangements, including transport, food support, cash assistance and the establishment and management of transit and registration points.

Citing official documents, the ministry said the deputy commissioner of Khyber conveyed that the proposed voluntary movement reflected the will of the local population, expressed through a representative jirga, while also taking into account seasonal, logistical and contextual considerations and adopting a non camp based approach.

The ministry strongly rejected media statements by the provincial government or its officials linking the migration to the armed forces, calling such claims false and fabricated and alleging they were made with mala fide intent to gain political capital and malign security institutions.

Meanwhile, on Friday, several families fleeing their homes in Tirah Valley were stranded on snow covered roads as heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures affected parts of the province, prompting rescue operations.

Rescue 1122 said more than 25 vehicles carrying 65 people stranded in snow were safely rescued. Severe cold also led to multiple cases of hypothermia, particularly among children, an official at Hayatabad Medical Complex said.

“At least 20 children were shifted to HMC with symptoms including shivering, fatigue and low body temperature,” the official added.

The Pakistan Army also took part in relief efforts, rescuing 20 stranded residents and relocating them to safer locations.

A 200 bed facility was prepared at the Tirah Administrative Complex, where food, warm shelter and other basic facilities were being continuously provided to families leaving the area.