MILITARY
A convoy of 70 vehicles carrying much-needed relief supplies arrived in Kurram on Friday, officials confirmed. This marks a significant effort to address the humanitarian crisis in the district following weeks of violence and disrupted supply chains.
The convoy, which included essential items such as fruit, vegetables, ghee, sugar, chicken, and eggs, departed from the Torpal checkpost under heavy security. Hangu Regional Police Officer Abbas Majeed Marwat and Kohat Division Commissioner Mutasim Billah Shah supervised the operation, ensuring the safe passage of relief materials.
Escalating Violence and Ceasefire Challenges
The crisis in Kurram intensified after a deadly attack in Lower Kurram’s Bagan area killed over 40 people in November. The attack, rooted in longstanding land disputes, triggered clashes that have since claimed at least 130 additional lives.
The volatile situation led to road closures, leaving Upper Kurram, particularly Parachinar, in dire need of essential goods and medicines. While a ceasefire agreement was signed on January 1, subsequent attacks on government and aid convoys have raised concerns over the fragile peace.
In response to the deteriorating situation, authorities launched a limited counter-terrorism operation in Lower Kurram. Camps for temporarily displaced persons (TDPs) were set up as over 1,000 families were forced to evacuate their homes.
Security Measures and Arrests
Hangu Deputy Commissioner (DC) Gohar Zaman Wazir stated that stringent security measures were implemented to ensure the convoy's safety. Security personnel were stationed along the route to prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, Kurram police arrested Tehsil Chairman Agha Muzammil Hussain Fasih, who was accused of holding a sit-in protest. An FIR was registered against him, and authorities warned against any activities disrupting peace.
Government’s Stand on Restoring Peace
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has pledged “indiscriminate action” against perpetrators of violence in Kurram. As part of this commitment, demolition of illegal bunkers resumed, and a military-led operation in Ochat, Charkhel, Dadkamar, and Zarana areas concluded on Wednesday.
During the four-day operation, officials confiscated a large cache of arms and destroyed eight bunkers. The district administration has warned of strict consequences for any violations of the ceasefire agreement.
The KP Chief Minister’s Office stated that special contingents might be deployed to secure Kurram Road, while recruitment plans for temporary and permanent police forces are underway.
As relief efforts continue, the government’s focus remains on restoring security and stability to the region.