Cut off from the country, Kurram protests

Highway closed for 73rd consecutive day due to unrest

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DI KHAN:

The main highway in Kurram District remains closed for the 73rd consecutive day due to the ongoing unrest, prompting citizens to hold a sit-in. Protesters claim that the residents of Parachinar are now on the verge of starvation.

According to details, the roads connecting the Kurram district, near the Pak-Afghan border, to other areas have been shut down for all types of traffic and movement for 73 days.

This has completely disrupted the supply chain to Upper Kurram, leaving its approximately 400,000 residents stranded.

The road closures have resulted in severe shortages of basic necessities in the region, including food, medicine, fuel, and LPG. Supplies have been entirely exhausted. Due to the unavailability of fuel, all public and private educational institutions in Upper Kurram have been shut down. ATMs are out of cash, adding to the distress of the citizens. Hotels, bakeries, and shops selling vegetables and fruits have also been forced to close.

Border officials report that no movement is occurring through the Pak-Afghan Kharlachi border either. Hospitals are facing critical shortages of medicines, leading to the deaths of patients, including children. Dr Zulfiqar Ali mentioned that the provincial government, Punjab government, and Edhi Air Ambulance are attempting to address the crisis by providing medicines via helicopters and air ambulances.

Meanwhile, citizens in Kurram District have started a sit-in against the road closures. They demand the immediate reopening of roads and the provision of food and medicine for the stranded population.

Speaking at the sit-in outside the Parachinar Press Club, leaders Iqrar Turi, Mir Afzal Khan, Samar Bangash, and Shafaat Hussain stated that the population of Parachinar has been forced into starvation due to the closure of the main highway and Afghan border for over two and a half months. Laborers working in the local markets have also joined the protest with their handcarts.

The leaders warned that failure to reopen and secure the roads could result in a major humanitarian crisis. The district administration explained that the roads were closed due to security concerns following incidents of firing on passenger convoys and clashes in Kurram District.

Earlier, locals condemned government statements claiming a plentiful supply of essential goods as "misleading", educational institutions in the volatile tribal district of Kurram have decided to close from Friday (today).

They have also warned of launching a protest movement. "The government is trying to add to the people's misery instead of protecting their lives and property. It seems intent on depriving people of food and medical care," alleges Marjan Ali, the head of one of the education institutes.

She, Zahid Hussain, and other heads of educational institutions held a press conference, stating that the government has failed to ensure safety and provide necessities like food and medicine.