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Kurram Bunker Demolition Begins Amid Roadblock Protests
Security forces begin demolishing bunkers as part of a peace agreement. Meanwhile, Parachinar residents stage a strike, protesting blocked roads that have caused severe shortages and over 300 deaths.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-14
Kurram Bunker Demolition Begins Amid Roadblock Protests

Security forces and the district administration have initiated the demolition of bunkers in Lower Kurram, implementing a key provision of the Kohat peace agreement. The move aims to restore peace in the troubled region, but a shutter-down strike in Parachinar has highlighted growing frustration over prolonged road closures.

Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan confirmed the demolition of two bunkers in Khar Kili and Balish Khel, stating that all such structures across Kurram district would be removed by February 1 under the 14-point peace accord. Gunship helicopters provided aerial surveillance during the operation, ensuring the safety of personnel involved.

Tribal leaders have called for the swift implementation of all terms of the agreement. Jalal Bangash stressed the importance of securing and reopening key routes, while Haji Saleem Khan urged public cooperation to achieve sustainable peace.

Residents Struggle Amid Roadblocks

In Parachinar, the district’s headquarters, a shutter-down strike was observed to protest the ongoing road blockade that has isolated the area for over three months. Essential supplies, including medicines, have run out, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

At a press conference, leaders of the Kurram District Drug Association revealed that local pharmacies were out of stock, with the roadblocks preventing the delivery of medical supplies. Association chairman Moeen Hussain and president Haji Syed Hanif stated that over 300 people, including children, had died due to a lack of treatment.

"We are turning away patients daily because we don’t have the necessary medicines," said Syed Iftikhar Hussain. The dire situation forced pharmacy owners to shut down their shops in protest.

Healthcare System Overwhelmed

Young Doctors Association leaders at the DHQ hospital in Parachinar painted a grim picture of the healthcare crisis. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali and others lamented the lack of life-saving medicines and the inability to transfer critically ill patients to Peshawar. "Patients are dying in agony," said Dr. Sajjad, adding that the crisis was pushing the healthcare system to its breaking point.

Calls for Action

Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ali Hadi Irfani has called for the immediate reopening of blocked routes, noting that thousands of residents are trapped and suffering due to the prolonged road closures. "The government must act swiftly to alleviate this humanitarian crisis," he stated.

While the demolition of bunkers signals progress towards peace, the ongoing hardships faced by the people of Kurram underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address both security concerns and humanitarian needs.

 
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