Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information Adviser Dr Barrister Saif has stated that jirga convened to resolve the Kurram dispute continued late into the night, with a general consensus reached between the two parties.
However, one party has requested a two-day break for consultation on a few points.
Saif said the grand jirga, under the government’s supervision in Kohat, has resumed after a few days’ break to establish permanent peace in Kurram, eliminate weapons across the district, demolish party fronts, and reopen/secure all roads and highways, including the main highway.
Out of 14 points decided by the Apex Committee, 12 points have been agreed upon. However, there remains a deadlock regarding the collection of weapons and the reopening of roads and routes.
The suspension of the agreement between the parties in the grand jirga to establish peace in Kurram remains in place.
Six tribal leaders are ready to sign the agreement based on the Apex Committee’s decision.
One party has requested a four-day period to consult over a few points.
Six tribes from one side believe that the Apex Committee has decided to first collect weapons from the parties, then demolish all bunkers and fronts across Kurram district, and subsequently reopen all routes.
In contrast, leaders of the Turi tribe argue that the roads should be reopened first, followed by the gradual demolition of fronts and collection of weapons.
According to sources, the leaders of the six Ahl-e-Sunnat tribes do not agree with the Turi tribe’s stance. The tribe has signed according to their position, but the leaders of the six opposing tribes have refused to sign, sticking to their stance. If the deadlock is not resolved, the jirga will resume.
Meanwhile, the grand jirga is making significant progress towards peacefully resolving the dispute between the two tribes in Kurram.
Recently, it was reported that the gathering held at Kohat Fort has almost finalised the agreement between the parties. According to the proposed agreement, both parties have agreed to hand over heavy weapons to the government.
Sources now claim that the elders have signed at the Kohat Grand Jirga. They added a few individuals from one party have signed, while the commissioner of Kohat will announce the final decision at the office.
The Parachinar-Peshawar Main Road has been closed for two and a half months, and all supplies to Upper Kurram are suspended.
Tehsil Chairman Agha Mazammal stated that the lack of medicines has led to the death of 123 children, which should raise the alarm in government circles.
He mentioned the lack of essential items in Kurram, with hotels, public transport, and business centres being closed for three weeks.
In response to the dire situation in Parachinar, a nine-day sit-in has continued at the Kurram Press Club, while protests are also being held at five other locations in the city.
In Karachi, sit-ins are being held in various areas regarding the situation, severely affecting traffic flow. Due to road closures from the protests, traffic police have provided alternative routes.
In the district of Kurram, Saif stated that the entire administration, including the Kohat Commissioner, is working to end the dispute and establish permanent peace.
The CM has dedicated his helicopter to relief operations, and aerial services, including medicine delivery, are being provided to the public.
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