Relief convoy finally reaches Parachinar

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's restive district, Kurram, saw a glimmer of hope on Wednesday as a convoy of 40 vehicles carrying relief supplies reached the district's capital, Parachinar, after being stalled in Thall for four days.

Kurram has long been plagued by decades-old sectarian clashes, which have escalated into land disputes and claimed the lives of at least 130 people since November 2024.

In December, the provincial government formed a grand jirga (council of elders) to broker ceasefire in the region. Following this progress, a peace agreement was signed between the warring sides on January 1.

Under the peace agreement, local residents pledged to surrender their weapons to the state in different phases within 15 days while the dismantling of local bunkers would be completed within a month.

However, on January 4, a convoy of former deputy commissioner Javedullah Mehsud came under attack near the Bagan area – a locality in the district, resulting in injuries to the official and five members of his escort. Since then, the convoy had been stranded.

On Wednesday, K-P government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif confirmed that a convoy of 30 vehicles carrying relief supplies, including food, medicines and other essential items had reached Parachinar. He said more convoys would be dispatched to the restive district in future as well.

Saif added that 10 trucks had safely arrived in Bagan area.

The development took place following successful negotiations between the government and the tribal elders.

Commending the cooperation of local elders in maintaining peace, Saif said the role of jirgas and peace committees was a significant step towards long-term stability in the region. He maintained that the government would further strengthen this collaboration and adopt a strategy to involve all stakeholders in the process.

The K-P government spokesperson reassured the public that the government was not only focused on relief activities but was also making comprehensive plans for the long-term development and stability of the affected areas. He added that development could not be achieved without peace and the government was committed to ensuring complete tranquillity in the region.

Reportedly, bazaars in Parachinar also reopened, with several people flocking to purchase supplies.

Newly-appointed Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan while talking to media expressed the resolve to maintain peace in Kurram by working together with the tribal elders.

He directed his office staff to extend maximum cooperation to people and utilise all available resources to resolve their issues.

Khan vowed to take strict action against those who attacked Meshud and urged the people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and help maintain peace.

The closure of roads for over 80 days caused difficulties for the people of Kurram as they were unable to receive basic necessities and medicines on time.

A day earlier, the government had temporarily suspended relief activities in restive district, with Edhi has also halting its air service to the region.