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KP CM Gandapur Convenes Apex Meeting on Kurram Peace Efforts
KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur to chair a key provincial apex committee meeting on restoring peace in Kurram. Key decisions expected for sustainable solutions.
ND
by News Desk
2024-12-20
KP CM Gandapur Convenes Apex Meeting on Kurram Peace Efforts

Amid ongoing jirga efforts to secure long-term peace in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has called a meeting of the provincial apex committee today (Friday) to discuss law and order issues in the conflict-stricken tribal district.

According to an official statement, the meeting will review the latest developments in Kurram, measures undertaken by the provincial government to restore peace, and strategies for ensuring the availability of essential commodities to local residents. The meeting will include senior civil and military leadership, provincial cabinet members, and divisional and district administration officials.

Focus on Peace and Sustainability

The statement emphasized that critical decisions would be taken to establish sustainable peace in the region through consultations with all relevant stakeholders. A key point of discussion will be the progress made by the “grand jirga,” which has been working to negotiate peace between the warring tribes.

While the jirga has made some headway, a lasting peace agreement remains elusive. Officials noted that the tribal district’s recurring violence, fueled by sectarian tensions and land disputes, necessitates a comprehensive solution. The government has reiterated that peace can only be achieved if armed groups voluntarily surrender heavy weapons and vacate bunkers used for targeting rival factions.

Recent Violence in Kurram

Kurram district descended into violence on November 21 when a convoy of passenger vehicles was ambushed, leaving over 130 people dead and many injured. The attack was reportedly a reprisal for an earlier assault on October 12. The district’s history of sectarian strife has been compounded by its proximity to the Afghan border, further exacerbating tensions.

While a government-appointed land commission has prepared its findings on disputed land ownership, the report has not been made public due to sectarian sensitivities.

Measures for Relief

The chief minister also announced measures to alleviate the hardships faced by Kurram residents. He directed the food department and district administration to provide wheat directly to citizens at a subsidized rate of Rs2,800 per 40kg. Previously, the cabinet had decided to supply wheat to flour mills, but logistical challenges, including fuel shortages, rendered the arrangement ineffective.

Additionally, the provincial government has been airlifting medical supplies to the district. Two consignments of medicines, including emergency supplies and essential vaccines, were delivered to the Sadda area via an MI-17 helicopter on Thursday.

The government dismissed allegations from the Kurram Chemists and Druggists Association about 60 deaths caused by medicine shortages, maintaining that medical aid had been consistently provided.

Future Course of Action

The apex committee meeting will also chart a future course of action for sustainable peace through collaboration with tribal elders and other stakeholders. CM Gandapur emphasized the importance of addressing both immediate needs and underlying issues to ensure long-term stability in the region.

The residents of Kurram await the outcomes of this critical meeting, hoping for tangible measures that will bring an end to the recurring cycles of violence and provide much-needed relief.

 
Tagged:

KurramPeace

LawAndOrderKP

TribalHarmony

SectarianResolution
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