Key progress expected on Kurram issue this week: Barrister Dr Saif

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information, Barrister Dr Saif, has said that significant progress is expected on the Kurram issue this week.

In his statement, he mentioned that the Jirga will resume after a two-day break to work towards a sustainable peace agreement for resolving the conflict.

He stated that both parties and the people of Kurram should remain cautious of conspiracies by elements opposed to peace and should not pay attention to their propaganda on social media.

Barrister Saif said that there will soon be good news regarding the reopening of routes. A helicopter provided by the Chief Minister has been designated for delivering medicines and evacuating patients from the area, with more than 180 people already transported.

He added that women, children, patients, and those travelling abroad are being prioritised for assistance.

The adviser further said that additional flights will continue, and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) helpline, 1700, is fully operational to facilitate the affected residents.

Kurram's issues rooted in local disputes, not terrorism

The Chief Minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, stated that the issue in Kurram is not terrorism but a local conflict between two groups, exacerbated by the proliferation of illegal weapons in the region.

A meeting of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet was held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, with cabinet members, the Chief Secretary, additional Chief Secretaries, and administrative Secretaries in attendance.

The meeting was briefed on the situation in Kurram and the provincial government's actions. It was highlighted that several jirgas have been held at different levels to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Additionally, approximately 10 tons of medicine have been delivered to Kurram through helicopter services to address the shortage of medical supplies in the area. These medicines have been distributed across all regions of Kurram.

The briefing also mentioned that discounted wheat is being provided to ensure the availability of food supplies in the region. Payments have been made for the losses caused by the ongoing situation in Kurram.

On the Chief Minister's directives, a helicopter service has been launched to resolve the transportation issues faced by the local population, with 220 individuals being transported in the past two days via the provincial government’s helicopter.

The meeting was also briefed that a provincial Apex Committee meeting was held the previous day regarding the Kurram issue. It was decided to establish a Special Police Force for securing the Parachinar road to restore land connectivity. A total of 399 personnel will be recruited, and temporary posts will be established initially, with permanent posts planned for the future.

The provincial cabinet was briefed that the road will be reopened once an agreement is reached between the two parties. The FIA will set up a dedicated cell to shut down social media accounts spreading sectarian hatred in the region. The Apex Committee has also decided to collect all illegal weapons by February 1.

It was further decided that a special desk would be set up in the Home Department to issue licenses for legal firearms, based on necessity. Additionally, the removal of entrenched positions in the area will take place by February 1.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that the issue in Kurram is not related to terrorism, but rather a conflict between two groups. While the local people seek peace, some elements are attempting to worsen the situation by promoting sectarian discord. These elements are creating a false narrative to misrepresent the issue.

He stated that there is a significant presence of illegal heavy weapons in the region. There is no justification for possessing such heavy weapons or constructing entrenched positions. The government does not have a policy that permits any armed group to hold illegal heavy weapons.

Ali Amin Gandapur further emphasized that the provincial government is making every possible effort to resolve the issue peacefully through negotiations and jirgas. The government will not compromise on ensuring the safety of the local population and will maintain its authority in the region. He also mentioned that no decision has been made regarding an operation in Tira and Jani Khel.

The Kurram district's disconnection from Peshawar and other cities is giving rise to a humanitarian crisis, leaving as many as 50 children dead at local hospitals due to the lack of supplies.

After the depletion of food supplies, people are now desperate for basic necessities such as flour, salt, sugar, and vegetables.

The Parachinar-Tal highway in the tribal district of Kurram has been closed to all kinds of traffic since October 12. As a result, Upper Kurram has been without any food supplies for over two and a half months. The population of 400,000 in Kurram has been effectively trapped in the area.

Hospitals and medical stores have run out of medicines. According to Edhi Foundation sources, due to the lack of medical facilities, over 50 children have lost their lives. Additionally, all ATMs in the city have ceased operations due to the unavailability of funds in banks.

Previously efforts by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to establish peace in Kurram have faced a temporary setback as one side of the jirga requested two days for consultations.

Consequently, proceedings of the jirga have been halted for this duration. The provincial government's nominated head of the Kurram jirga, K-P Adviser on Information, Barrister Dr Saif, stated that one party in the Kurram dispute sought two days for consultation, which the jirga members granted after mutual agreement.