Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Kurram district is facing significant shortages of vital supplies as the ongoing security crisis continues. According to Geo News, the Kohat Grand Peace Jirga, which was held to tackle the unrest, was unable to arrive at a conclusion on December 10. The discussions, which have been taking place for almost a week, will persist with the aim of restoring peace and reopening the main highway, which is currently blocked due to security issues.
The crisis has dramatically disrupted everyday life in Kurram. Residents are experiencing severe shortages of food, petrol, and medical supplies, while a lack of gas has resulted in the closure of tandoors and restaurants, exacerbating the community’s struggles.
During the jirga, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif emphasized the necessity for unity to attain peace. “Hatred must be eliminated for peace to prevail,” he stated. Saif assured that the government is actively working on solutions, which include delivering medical supplies via helicopter and investigating the potential restoration of air travel to the region.
Saif underscored the importance of removing private bunkers from the central highway and disarming groups that possess heavy weaponry. He mentioned that while both tribes seek peace, certain factions with vested interests are provoking the conflict. He asserted that public cooperation is essential to revealing these groups, adding, “Strong action will be taken against those obstructing peace efforts. ”
A committee led by CM Ali Amin Gandapur has been established to manage peace negotiations. District Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud detailed the initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy, while residents urged for a long-lasting resolution, including the permanent reopening of the Peshawar-Parachinar highway.
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The unrest has resulted in more than 130 fatalities in the last month, leading to demands for de-weaponization campaigns in Kurram. Relief supplies valued at PKR 150 million have been distributed to victims of violence by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
The All Parties Conference (APC) has recently criticized the failures of governance at both federal and provincial levels, noting over 200 deaths in Kurram this year. The APC called for the release of delayed funds for tribal districts under the National Finance Commission award to mitigate the worsening situation.