Grand jirga hopes to broker Kurram peace

Tribal elders, govt officials gather to end bloodshed

KOHAT:

A grand peace jirga was convened at the Kohat Commissioner House bringing together influential tribal elders, alongside key government officials. to deliberate over the prevailing situation in Kurram district and devise a roadmap for enduring peace.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary, K-P Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, Kohat Division Commissioner Syed Motasim Billah Shah, and community leaders were among those who attended.

Addressing the Jirga, K-P CS Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary underscored the critical importance of restoring peace and stability in Kurram district. He reiterated the government's strong commitment to ensuring the rule of law.

He emphasised that the consultative process with local elders was integral to crafting a sustainable peace framework, and assured participants that the government would implement their suggestions and recommendations, effectively.

Reflecting on recent incidents in Kurram, the CS condemned the violence unequivocally. "What transpired in Kurram district is unacceptable and stands in stark contrast to the principles of a civilised society," he said. The chief secretary added that such acts of inhumanity must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

"Anti-state and anti-social elements responsible for unrest in Kurram district will be brought to justice," he stated firmly.

Kohat Division Commissioner Syed Mutasim Billah Shah announced that all future meetings of the peace jirga would continue in Kohat, ensuring an ongoing consultation process to address pressing concerns and reinforce communal harmony.

As many as 88 people have been killed during the recent violence in the volatile district. The latest wave was created by the brutal and unprecedented massacre of as many as 50 people whose convoy of vehicles was sprayed with bullets by gunmen.

Authorities may have earlier believed they had brokered a ceasefire, but a further 38 were killed after the massacre with 111 wounded.

The appeal for peace appeared to have fallen on deaf ears as fighting persisted in areas like Bagan and Alizai.

In the latest incidents of violence, two more people from both sides lost their lives, and 19 others were injured.

Meanwhile, on November 21, Mushtaq Hussain, one of the injured from a firing incident on passenger vehicles in Mandori, Lower Kurram, succumbed to his injuries. This brought the death toll from that specific attack to 50.

The main Peshawar Highway remains closed to all traffic, and internet and mobile services are suspended. Due to the clashes and fuel shortages, all educational institutions in Kurram District have been closed.

The Kohat Educational Board has also postponed the FA and FSc Annual Part-II exams in the region.