Barrister Saif blames federal govt for crisis in K-P's Kurram

Adviser to K-P CM accuses the federal government of fuelling sectarianism and provincialism.

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The Adviser to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Dr. Saif, criticised the federal government for its alleged indifference to the escalating situation in Kurram, calling the government’s response a mere “spectacle” from afar.

In a statement, Barrister Saif claimed that the federal government was stoking sectarianism and provincialism, claiming it had little interest in addressing the region’s issues.

“Kurram is part of Pakistan, not Iran or Afghanistan,” Saif said, urging the Interior Minister to remember that he is responsible for the country’s internal affairs, not just Islamabad.

Saif also criticised the federal government's handling of the region, claiming that the Federal Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, had been tasked only with arresting Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters, rather than focusing on the serious situation in Kurram.

“Kurram is a border area, and the Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, also has responsibilities,” he added, calling on Asif to focus on his duties rather than making provocative statements.

The adviser also took a jab at the Prime Minister’s office, stating that if the real Prime Minister, who he referred to as 'Form 45', were in charge, arrangements for an air ambulance would already have been made for Kurram. He contrasted this with what he described as the “fake” Prime Minister, referring to ‘Form 47’, who was preoccupied with false claims.

Saif further criticised the Punjab government, claiming that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had been using his own helicopter for emergency airlift operations in Kurram, while Maryam Nawaz’s supposed promises of an air ambulance had yet to materialise.

Critical supplies reach ravaged Kurram

As critical supplies land in Kurram to provide much-needed relief for people of the war-ravaged region, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister's Adviser on Information Barrister Dr Saif has said that it is essential for both sides to surrender their heavy weapons and dismantle bunkers.

Saif met representatives from the Kurram Grand Jirga to discuss the ongoing challenges facing the district, the developments of the gathering, and the broader peace process.

During the meeting, Dr Saif underscored the critical need to remove heavy weaponry in Kurram to pave the way for lasting peace.

He called for the elimination of anti-aircraft weapons, missiles, RPGs, and other heavy artillery, stressing that such measures are essential to ensure stability.

The adviser also emphasised that dismantling bunkers is a prerequisite to achieve a peaceful environment. He further pointed out that the main roads in the region could not be opened to public traffic until the return of heavy weapons and the destruction of bunkers were addressed.

On the instructions of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the third consignment of essential medicines was delivered to Kurram via helicopter on Tuesday to address the shortage of emergency medicines.

According to details, a stock of medicines sufficient for two months was transported to Kurram using the provincial government's MI-17 helicopter. The medicines, valued at Rs12.4 million, include emergency drugs and vaccines.

Due to the closure of ground routes caused by tensions, the CM provided his helicopter to ensure the supply of essential medicines to the area. So far, emergency medicines worth Rs200 million have been delivered to Kurram via helicopter.

The CM's adviser on health and the department's provincial secretary will be overseeing the medicine supply to the battle-ravaged district.

Edhi arrives

Also reaching the conflict zone with critical supplies was Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation Chairman Faisal Abdul Sattar Edhi, after three days of efforts. His visit was made ;possible after approvals from Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.

Earlier this month Punjab's Information Minister Azma Bokhari had criticised the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government over its handling of the province's worsening law and order situation.

She stated that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur should have focused on uniting all stakeholders to address the province's security challenges.

She described the provincial government's refusal to participate in an All Parties Conference aimed at restoring peace in K-P and Kurram as "shameful."

"A party that has governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for 12 years clearly shows no interest in peace," Bokhari said.

Refering to Gandapur's participation in the PTI's protest last month, Bokhari said he had the time and resources to organise attacks on Islamabad after calls from prisoners in Adiala Jail.

"If Ali Amin Gandapur is not concerned about the future of the province's people, he should resign," she added.

Bokhari also condemned political forces for attacking Pakistan's security forces, who continue to sacrifice their lives for the nation.