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Government Sends Convoy of Relief Supplies to Kurram District After Five-Day Delay
After a 5-day delay due to road blockades and unrest, a convoy of 40 vehicles with essential supplies has reached Kurram district. Relief efforts continue following violent clashes.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-08
Government Sends Convoy of Relief Supplies to Kurram District After Five-Day Delay

After being stranded in Thall for five days, a convoy of 40 vehicles carrying essential food supplies, medicine, and other necessities successfully reached Kurram district on Wednesday, providing much-needed relief to the region's residents. The convoy had been delayed due to ongoing road blockages caused by violence stemming from longstanding land disputes, which have plagued the area for months.

Since November, clashes related to these disputes have claimed the lives of at least 130 people, leaving the local population suffering from severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic supplies. The unrest had led to weeks-long road blockades, making it difficult to transport essential relief materials to the affected areas.

In a bid to address the growing crisis, a peace agreement was signed between the warring factions on January 1, bringing a temporary ceasefire to the region. Despite this, the vital route connecting Parachinar, the administrative headquarters of Kurram, to the rest of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained blocked, further exacerbating the supply issues.

The situation worsened on January 4 when a government convoy was attacked near the Bagan area, resulting in injuries to the Deputy Commissioner of Kurram. Since that attack, the convoy had been stuck in Thall, awaiting clearance for passage.

Following successful negotiations late on Tuesday between government representatives and local protesters, the roadblock was lifted, and the convoy was able to resume its journey. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, confirmed that 10 trucks destined for the Bagan area had safely reached their destination, while a second convoy of 30 vehicles had made it to Parachinar and Upper Kurram.

“The convoy left after talks with protesters concluded successfully,” Saif said. “More convoys will be dispatched soon to continue the relief efforts.” He emphasized that the government was actively working to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of supplies to the affected areas.

The negotiations, which were facilitated by the Grand Jirga, Kurram Peace Committee, and local peace committees, were a crucial step toward restoring order in the region. The agreement reached between the protesters and authorities allowed for the removal of barriers and the resumption of the transport of relief goods to the region.

Saif also underscored the importance of maintaining peace in the area, highlighting that the provincial government’s top priority was to restore law and order. "The role of the jirgas and local peace committees in maintaining peace has been invaluable. The government is committed to strengthening this collaboration for the long-term stability of the region," he stated.

The relief supplies, sent by the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), include blankets, warm clothes, food items, and other essentials. These goods have already started reaching some of the most affected areas, including Bagan, Parachinar, and Boshehra.

In addition to the immediate relief, Saif emphasized that the government was also focused on planning for the long-term development of the region. "Development cannot be achieved without peace. We are committed to ensuring the complete tranquillity of the region to pave the way for sustainable growth," he added.

Meanwhile, local leaders, including MPA Ali Hadi, commended the cooperation of regional authorities, including the Commissioner and Regional Police Officer (RPO), for facilitating the safe departure of the convoy. Hadi also assured that practical steps were being taken to implement the terms of the peace agreement, including the running of additional convoys to bring further aid to the area.

"Necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety of roads and the protection of lives and property," Hadi said, reiterating the government’s commitment to the welfare of the affected population.

The district administration confirmed that trucks of relief supplies, including essential food items, blankets, and medical aid, had been dispatched to various areas in Kurram, including Bagan, Parachinar, and Upper Kurram. The convoy, which entered the region via the Hangutorpal check post, will continue its route to other impacted areas.

The cooperation of local elders, peace committees, and the provincial government has been pivotal in ensuring the success of these efforts, and authorities are hopeful that peace and stability will continue to be restored in the region as relief efforts intensify.
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