The 18th meeting of the provincial cabinet, held under the chairmanship of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, focused on issues faced by Kurram district and approved a robust action plan aimed at restoring durable peace and stability in the volatile region.
The meeting, attended by members of the provincial cabinet, the chief secretary, additional chief secretaries, and concerned administrative secretaries, was briefed on the prevailing situation in Kurram, where violence has claimed 133 precious lives and left another 177 wounded over the last few days.
A grand jirga has been formed to deescalate the situation, ensure peace and resolve the crisis. The jirga, comprising respected local elders, will remain in the area until peace is completely restored.
The provincial government underscored the importance of community involvement, calling on local elders to cooperate in identifying and isolating elements inciting sectarian hatred and unrest.
The provincial cabinet decided to declare individuals spreading hatred as terrorists and take strict legal action against them.
Such elements will be included in Schedule IV under the law. Additionally, bunkers in the area will be demolished, and heavy weapons in the possession of residents will be confiscated to curb violence.
"The local communities must stand united against divisive elements that threaten our peace and stability," remarked Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur. "The government remains resolute in its commitment to restoring harmony in the region."
It was further decided that as many as 65 checkpoints will be established along key locations, particularly on the Kurram Highway, to ensure security. Similarly, a formal request has also been sent to the federal government for the deployment of FC platoons to strengthen the security.
The cabinet approved a comprehensive relief package for the victims of violence in Kurram. Financial assistance will be provided to the families of the martyrs and injured individuals, while compensation will be extended for properties damaged.
A survey to assess the extent of damages is underway, and Rs380 million has already been released for this purpose. Additional funds will be provided if needed, the cabinet further decided. The ministers resolved that to make every effort to ensure the immediate and dignified return of all those families who have been displaced from their homes due to the conflict.
Similarly, the cabinet decided to provide bulletproof and bombproof vehicles and other necessary equipment to the civil administration, CTD and law enforcement agencies in the merged districts, southern districts and Malakand, to enhance their capacity to counter violent conflicts.
In response to the acute shortage of essential medicines in Kurram, the provincial cabinet ordered the immediate supply of medicines via helicopter.
The cabinet also constituted a high-level monitoring committee, comprising the provincial law minister, advisor to CM for information and relevant parliamentarians to oversee the implementation of the action plan. This committee will ensure that all measures, from financial assistance to peacebuilding efforts, are being executed effectively and transparently.
The cabinet also approved a compensation package for those slain at Islamabad's D Chowk on November 26. It decided that Rs10 Million each would be given to the bereaved families. Similarly, Rs1 million will be provided to those seriously injured.
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