ISLAMABAD: Alarm bells were raised in the Senate on Monday over the ongoing military operation in Tirah, Khyber tribal district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. ANP chief Senator Aimal Wali Khan accused the federal government of being in a “deep slumber,” leaving residents helpless amid displacement and disruption. He said that previous operations in KP involved consultations with all stakeholders, but this time both the Centre and the provincial government appeared indifferent.
Read More: Tirah Operation: Legal & Constitutional Bindings: Nexus between terrorist and ethnic pressure groups
Senator Wali Khan said the federal government was treating KP as if it were outside its jurisdiction, while the provincial administration, led by the PTI, was ignoring responsibilities such as providing tents for displaced families. “The people are left clueless about the operation and its implications,” he added.
Sohail Afridi is plainly stating the facts: the operation in Tirah and the forced evacuation of our people are not about eliminating terrorism. They are political maneuvers, with innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
This is a stark reminder that power and ambition are… pic.twitter.com/pFPlfVGZRW
— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) January 17, 2026
PTI Senator Noorul Haq Qadri claimed Tirah was being “set on fire” and criticised the lack of consultation with the provincial government during the operation. Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Abid Sher Ali, in his maiden speech, questioned the PTI government’s ability to ensure peace in KP despite holding power for a third consecutive term. He also demanded transparency on the funds provided by the Centre for counter-terrorism efforts and criticised controversial remarks by the KP chief minister.
In a related matter, PPP Senator Palwasha Khan requested the House take up her privilege motion against Federal Communications Minister Aleem Khan for allegedly making a personal attack on her during a standing committee meeting. Senator Sherry Rehman supported the motion and said Aleem Khan had been asked to apologise directly to Senator Palwasha, with the minister expected to return from Umrah on January 25.
Read More: KP CM assures dignified resettlement for displaced Tirah families
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar urged that all members be treated respectfully, while Senator Samina Mumtaz Zahri cautioned that a mere apology should not be sufficient and stressed the need to prevent future incidents of this nature.