Parachinar deadlock

Peace efforts in Parachinar face setbacks as tribal elders remain absent.

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The blood-soaked Parachinar valley is reportedly in a deadlock as ongoing efforts for peace have hit snags. After weeks of bloodshed, the convening of a Grand Jirga has twinkled a ray of hope. But it is worrisome to learn that both the warring sides cannot reach an agreement yet owing to unavailability of few tribal elders. There is perhaps a commutation problem as road access to the restive zone is severed. Moreover, it is learnt that there is discord over the proposition of disarming the tribes and surrendering heavy weapons to the government.

This disarmament initiative should have been taken long ago. Taking into consideration the fact that the former tribal belt is open to reconciliation when it comes from elders of the patriarchal society, the convening of the Jirga should have taken precedence. Under a new deal that is being sought, it has been proposed that heavy weapons should be surrendered to the government, opening a vista of scaling down of violence, as warring factions conventionally resort to indiscriminate use of excessive force, and subsequently keep a log of revenge.

The picturesque Parachinar valley is in revulsion and all the adjoining districts are in a fear-phobia. Protests in Karachi and other parts of Sindh, which have brought life to a standstill, go on to underscore the need for reaching an immediate ceasefire, and a workable peace deal. It is common knowledge that hundreds have been 'slaughtered', and dozens of others maimed in the clashes over the last few weeks. Faisal Edhi is on record telling the HRCP that more than 100 children have died due to lack of medicine and essentials in the war-zone.

The residents of Kurram district are exposed to multiple crises, and sectarianism is one of them. Likewise, land-grabbing, smuggling and human-trafficking are also rife in the region, with the situation further complicated by the porous Afghan border which is located at a stone throw distance from Parachinar. Thus, it is essential that a holistic view is adopted, and demilitarising the society is the first step to go.