Edhi urges govt to resolve Kurram crisis

KARACHI:

Philanthropist Faisal Edhi has urged the government to take appropriate steps to resolve the crisis in Kurram district, warning that it may ignite unrest across the country.

He made this statement while addressing members of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) at the HRCP Karachi office on Friday.

Expressing concerns over the gravity of the situation, Faisal said that if proper records were maintained, it would reveal that more than a hundred children have already died due to the ongoing conflict.

He stressed that the situation was dire, with no medicines available for cancer patients or those suffering from brain haemorrhage.

He pointed out that there was also a severe shortage of oxygen and insulin, even in private hospitals, and medical procedures and operations have been suspended since the conflict began.

"CT scans and X-ray machines are no longer operational, and people are dying daily."

Faisal Edhi shared that through their limited efforts, the foundation has been transferring patients to Peshawar and delivering essential items to those in need.

He criticised both the federal and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) governments for their lack of interest in addressing the crisis, accusing them of focusing instead on organising and disrupting political processions in Islamabad.

Edhi said that the conflict started as a land dispute and could be resolved if sincere efforts were made by dedicated individuals. However, the situation has escalated into a sectarian conflict, with propaganda being spread against the foundation's humanitarian work.

"Despite this, the Edhi Foundation continues to serve humanity without taking sides," he added.

He recounted visits to hospitals in the affected areas, where medicines were delivered and he witnessed the devastating impact of the crisis. He warned that if the conflict is not resolved, the unrest could spread throughout the country.

HRCP Secretary General Haris Khalique added that such conflicts are symptomatic of a colonial-style governance system and can only be resolved through a truly democratic regime. He stressed that the crisis should be treated as a humanitarian issue and resolved through serious negotiations in Peshawar and Islamabad.

The HRCP has called on the state to urgently protect lives in Kurram District, trace and hold perpetrators of violence accountable, and involve all stakeholders in negotiations to end the conflict.

Vice-Chair HRCP Sindh Qazi Khizer noted that frequent clashes between rival tribes and sects have effectively isolated the district due to road blockades and the suspension of cellular services.

These measures have consistently failed to provide relief and have instead cut off residents' access to food, fuel, and medical supplies. Schools have been forced to close intermittently, and several deaths have occurred due to the lack of timely medical attention for the sick and elderly.