Edhi halts Kurram relief op

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KARACHI/PESHAWAR:

After the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government temporarily suspended relief activities in Kurram, rescue and relief organization Edhi has also halted its air service to the restive district that witnessed the worst sectarian clashes last month.

As a result, there is a food crisis in the district which is also facing a further shortage of medicines. The process of transferring patients, including elderly individuals, has also been disrupted, to the deep concern of the people whose problems are further complicated by cold weather.

Edhi Rescue Service officials told Express that, in collaboration with the K-P government, Edhi had carried out relief operations for 20 days through its air service.

An estimated 100 patients, including the elderly, women, and children, were airlifted from Kurram to Peshawar. This air service operated multiple times a day, delivering food and medicines to Kurram.

Officials said the cooperation from the K-P government has been exemplary. However, the ongoing tension in Kurram and the closure of the main road connecting Kurram to the rest of Pakistan, particularly the Taal Parachinar road has led to widespread distress among the local population.

They said there is a severe shortage of food in several areas, and patients suffering from cancer, diabetes, and other diseases are enduring immense pain due to the lack of medicines.

Furthermore, people in the area are struggling with a lack of warm clothing and other essential items amid the cold weather. The locals are desperately awaiting aid.

Edhi officials said after the peace agreement in Kurram, attacks on relief convoys and the injury of the Kurram deputy commissioner (DC) worsened the situation.

Kurram DC Javedullah Mehsud was on his way to hold talks with a group of protestors in the Bagan Bazaar area of Kurram when a group of over two dozen armed men opened fire on his convoy, causing injuries to seven people including Mehsud.

Following the attack, the government halted supply of essential commodities to the district.

They said following the suspension of the K-P government's relief operation, Edhi was forced to halt its air relief service due to a shortage of resources.

Rescue officials urged the K-P and local elders to take immediate action to open the main road to prevent a potential humanitarian disaster. If the government reaches out and cooperates, the organization will resume its relief operations in Kurram, they added.

Talking with reference to the situation, Adviser to the K-P Chief Minister for Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said the Kurram Highway will soon be made safe for convoys to resume their movement.

"Security on the main Kurram Highway is being further tightened. In light of the decisions made by the provincial apex committee, additional checkpoints and enhanced security measures are being implemented on the highway," he said.

The adviser announced that by February 1, the removal of bunkers and weapons would be ensured, adding that the provincial government is making every effort to eliminate miscreants and transform Kurram into a haven of peace. He also urged the people of Kurram to cooperate with the administration in fostering an atmosphere of peace.

"Those responsible for the attack on the deputy commissioner will soon be brought to justice. Under the peace agreement, law and order will be ensured in Kurram. We will not allow anti-peace elements to succeed in their nefarious plans," he said.

The advisor reiterated the commitment to completely eliminate bunkers and weapons to establish lasting peace in the area. He said the people and local elders bear significant responsibilities in maintaining peace. "Public and community leaders should work alongside the administration to ensure the establishment of peace," he added.