Truce eludes Kurram as another 14 killed

Clashes continued in the tribal district of Kurram, leaving 14 more people dead. The total death toll from 10 days of clashes has now reached 122, with 168 reported injured.

According to reports, intense gunfire exchanges have taken place in Lower Kurram between the villages of Talokanj and Jalam, resulting in the death of a key commander along with ten of his associates, while four individuals from the opposing side have also lost their lives. In Upper Kurram, areas such as Tari Mangal, Pewar, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, Kharkali and Balichkhel have seen heavy weaponry used throughout the night with both sides targeting each other.

The clashes have persisted for several days in various parts of Kurram district. Efforts to halt the violence and establish peace have begun through negotiations. According to police and hospital sources, 14 more fatalities and 17 people with injuries have been recorded in the latest incidents of gunfire.

It is noteworthy that, on November 21, an armed attack in the Mandori Uchit area of Lower Kurram on a convoy of passenger vehicles from Parachinar had claimed the lives of 52 people. The incident had sparked a series of clashes and shootings in the areas of Sangeena, Sadda, Balishkhel, Kharkali, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, Bagan and Alizai.

The closure of the Peshawar-Parachinar main highway to all traffic has led to severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine in the region. Students, expatriate workers and people from various walks of life are facing multiple challenges. Trade and travel at the Kharlachi border with Afghanistan have also been suspended. Furthermore, internet and mobile services remain suspended and educational institutions closed in the affected areas.

Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ali Hadi Irfani and former Member of National Assembly (MNA) Malik Fakhr Zaman have highlighted the dire situation faced by the people of Kurram due to the ongoing clashes and shootings. They have urged the government to take immediate measures to restore peace, ensure the safety of people and property, and secure the main highway.

Meanwhile, Kurram District Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud has stated that negotiations have begun with elders from both sides to enforce a ceasefire. He expressed the hope for significant progress towards a ceasefire and peace restoration soon. Security forces have raised white flags at various locations as a symbol of peace.

In light of directives from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government and under the special instructions of Kohat Division Commissioner Syed Moatasim Billah Shah, a grand jirga was held under the supervision of Orakzai Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Irfanuddin.

Held at the district headquarters in Orakzai's Babar Melam area, the jirga included notable elders and representatives from the Sunni and Shia communities of Orakzai district.