Kurram highway reopens after 9 months

DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

Land access to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's tribal district of Kurram has finally been restored after a nine-month-long suspension. The main highway, closed in October 2023 due to sectarian violence, has been partially reopened under strict security protocols, offering some relief to residents of Parachinar.

The closure was imposed following attacks on vehicles carrying pilgrims and subsequent retaliatory incidents that escalated tensions in the region. As a result, authorities had sealed the central highway, leading to a severe shortage of essential goods and stranding hundreds of students and residents in other cities.

Haider Ali, a student residing in Peshawar for his studies, described the ordeal as "the worst days of my life, staying in hostels, hotels, or with relatives just to get by."

In an effort to mitigate the crisis during the blockade, the government launched a limited helicopter service, which proved insufficient to meet the needs of the population.

Since the reopening, 20 to 22 passenger vehicles are reaching Parachinar daily. The highway remains open from 9 AM to 3 PM. Food and supply trucks continue to travel via the main Thall-Parachinar Road.

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kurram, Amir Nawaz, the road is being reopened in phases under a comprehensive security plan to prevent any untoward incidents. He clarified that no official restrictions exist on alternate routes, though the Shia population generally prefers these alternatives due to safety concerns.

Currently, most passenger vehicles are traveling through areas like Shorko, Tangai, and Mandao to reach Alizai, while routes via Sadda, Pir Qayyum, and Khadkai are still considered unsafe.

Government sources say that the situation has improved following the December 2024 peace agreement and recent successful tribal Jirgas. Coordination between district authorities and local elders is ongoing, and it is expected that a full 24-hour reopening of the road will soon be officially announced.