Centre steps up Kurram relief efforts

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has gone on a mission to provide treatment to the injured, and initiate various relief operations for those affected by the violence in Kurram district. Instructions have also been issued to activate teams from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and merged districts Red Crescent.

Governor Kundi also ordered the provision of tents for the affected people of Kurram. He issued orders to the Red Crescent Merged Districts chairman to immediately deliver tents to the deserving people. Sources say that chairman Imran Wazir has prepared an initial report on the damages in the areas affected by the conflicts and the needs of the people.

The Red Crescent's initial report mentions that 250 families from Bagan and 175 families from Alizai have migrated.

According to a report from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Red Crescent Chairman, Malik Habib Orakzai, 915 displaced people have been provided with food and drinking water over the past two days.

It is also reported that, under the instructions of the governor, a delegation from the Red Crescent of the merged districts will meet with representatives of the affected people.

The governor has also ordered the humanitarian network to ensure the supply of food and other essentials.

The report further states that the closure of various roads is the biggest obstacle for relief efforts. Additional relief supplies are ready, and the end of road closures is awaited.

Protest against violence

On the call of the Awami National Party (ANP), a black day was observed in various cities and districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa against the incidents of unrest in Kurram. Protests were also held.

ANP Malakand organised a protest in Batkhela, where the demonstrators held a rally from the ANP office to the local press club.

District President Ijaz Ali Khan, General Secretary Irshad Momand, and other leaders addressed the rally. The speakers stated that the situation in Kurram is a reflection of the failure of both the provincial and central governments.

"It is clear evidence of the lack of peace and order in the province." They accused the federal and provincial governments of using state resources for political purposes instead of restoring law and order in the province. The rulers were urged to take concrete steps to establish peace.

In Bajaur, ANP organised a protest outside the Bajaur Press Club to mark the black day. The demonstrators waved black flags and chanted anti-government slogans.

Bajaur ANP President Gul Afzal Khan, General Secretary Shah Naseer Khan, and others addressed the protest. They demanded a transparent investigation into the Parachinar tragedy from the federal and provincial governments. They called for practical steps to establish lasting peace in Kurram, the merged districts, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

In Shangla, a protest was held in front of the Shangla Press Club in Alpuri, where ANP leaders, including Advocate Matwakil Khan, addressed the gathering. In Swabi, a protest was held on Jehangira Road under the leadership of District President Asifur Rehman. The demonstrators blocked the road for traffic and protested.

Former Minister for Forests Sher Khan and others addressed the rally. The speakers stated that much blood had already been shed on Pashtun soil, and they could not bear further bloodshed. They demanded the government take practical steps for peace and provide protection to the public.