Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Advisor Advocate Dr Saif has said that significant progress is expected on the Kurram issue this week.
In his statement, he mentioned that the Jirga will resume after a two-day break to work towards a sustainable peace agreement to resolve the conflict.
He stated that both parties and the people of Kurram should be cautious of conspiracies by elements opposed to peace and should not pay attention to their propaganda on social media.
Advocate Saif said there will be good news soon regarding the reopening of routes. A helicopter provided by the Chief Minister has been designated to deliver medicines and evacuate patients from the area, and more than 180 people have already been transported.
He added that priority is being given to the assistance of women, children, patients and those traveling abroad.
The advisor further said that additional flights will continue and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) helpline, 1700, is fully operational to help the affected residents.
Kurram problems stem from local disputes, not terrorism
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur said the problem in Kurram is not terrorism but a local conflict between two groups, exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal weapons in the region.
A Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, which was attended by cabinet members, Chief Secretary, additional chief secretaries and administrative secretaries.
The meeting was informed about the situation in Kurram and the actions of the provincial government. It was highlighted that several jirgas have been held at different levels to find a lasting solution to the problem.
Additionally, approximately 10 tonnes of medicines were delivered to Kurram through helicopter services to address the shortage of medical supplies in the area. These medicines have been distributed in all regions of Kurram.
The report also mentioned that discounted wheat is being provided to ensure availability of food supplies in the region. Payments have been made for losses caused by the current situation in Kurram.
By order of the Chief Minister, a helicopter service has been launched to solve the transportation problems faced by the local population: 220 people have been transported in the provincial government helicopter in the last two days.
The meeting was also informed that a meeting of the Provincial Apex Committee on the Kurram issue was held the previous day. It was decided to set up a Special Police Force to secure the Parachinar highway to restore land connectivity. A total of 399 people will be hired and temporary positions will initially be created and permanent positions are planned for the future.
The provincial cabinet was informed that the road will be reopened once an agreement is reached between the two parties. The FIA will create a cell dedicated to closing social media accounts that spread sectarian hatred in the region. The Apex Committee also decided to collect all illegal weapons by February 1.
It was further decided that a special office would be created in the Department of the Interior to issue licenses for legal firearms, as needed. In addition, the elimination of entrenched positions in the area will be carried out before February 1.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that the problem in Kurram is not related to terrorism but rather a conflict between two groups. While the local population seeks peace, some elements try to worsen the situation by promoting sectarian discord. These elements are creating a false narrative to misrepresent the issue.
He stated that there is a significant presence of illegal heavy weapons in the region. There is no justification for possessing such heavy weapons or building entrenched positions. The government does not have a policy that allows any armed group to possess illegal heavy weapons.
Ali Amin Gandapur further emphasized that the provincial government is making all-out efforts to resolve the issue peacefully through negotiations and jirgas. The government will make no concessions in ensuring the safety of the local population and will maintain its authority in the region. He also mentioned that no decision has been taken on an operation in Tira and Jani Khel.
The disconnection of Kurram district from Peshawar and other cities is causing a humanitarian crisis that has left up to 50 children dead in local hospitals due to lack of supplies.
Following the depletion of food supplies, people are now desperate for basic needs such as flour, salt, sugar and vegetables.
The Parachinar-Tal highway in Kurram tribal district has been closed to all traffic since October 12. As a result, Upper Kurram has been without food supply for more than two and a half months. Kurram’s population of 400,000 has been effectively trapped in the area.
Hospitals and medical stores have run out of medicines. According to Edhi Foundation sources, due to lack of medical facilities, more than 50 children have lost their lives. Furthermore, all ATMs in the city have ceased operations due to non-availability of funds in banks.
Earlier, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government’s efforts to establish peace in Kurram faced a temporary setback when one side of the jirga requested two days for consultations.
Consequently, jirga performances have been suspended during this time. The appointed head of the Kurram jirga by the provincial government, information advisor of the KP, lawyer Dr Saif, stated that one of the parties in the Kurram dispute requested two days for consultations, which the jirga members granted after a mutual agreement.
