Kurram remains tense after Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud was injured in a targeted attack on his convoy near Bagan on Saturday. The incident raises concerns about peace in the region, just days after warring factions signed a long-awaited ceasefire. Authorities are working to maintain stability while addressing the needs of those affected by ongoing violence in Kurram.
DC Injured in Convoy Attack
DC Mehsud’s convoy came under fire from unknown assailants while traveling through the restive Bagan area. The attack left him injured and temporarily halted relief efforts intended to assist victims in the region. Security forces swiftly transported the DC to Alizai Hospital before shifting him to Thall Combined Military Hospital for surgery. Officials confirmed his condition is stable and out of danger.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif condemned the attack, calling it a conspiracy by miscreants aiming to destabilize the fragile peace in Kurram. Security forces have since taken control of the area, ensuring no further disruptions.
Relief Efforts Amid Violence
The attack occurred as an aid convoy was preparing to deliver essential supplies to Kurram, following an 80-day road blockade that had left residents struggling with shortages of food and medicine. The aid package, consisting of tents, blankets, solar lamps, and medical kits, is part of a larger effort to address the dire humanitarian situation caused by decades-old land disputes in the region.
Despite the resumption of aid, protests against road closures persist. Sit-ins near the Parachinar Press Club and demonstrations demanding compensation for property damage have highlighted the community’s frustration. Organizers have vowed to continue their protests until the roads are fully reopened and secured.
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Leaders Condemn the Attack
National and provincial leaders have condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for strict action against those responsible. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the incident an attempt to derail peace in Kurram. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting terrorism and maintaining order in the region.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed regret over the attack, labeling it a deliberate effort to sabotage peace efforts. He reassured residents that the provincial government remains committed to restoring stability and addressing their concerns. The chief minister also called for community cooperation in identifying miscreants and ensuring aid reaches those in need.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi criticized the attack as evidence of deeper governance challenges in the region. Both called for immediate action to prevent further incidents.
A Fragile Peace
The situation in Kurram remains precarious despite the recent peace agreement. Decades of land disputes and ethnic tensions have left the area vulnerable to violence. While authorities are working to provide aid and security, challenges persist in rebuilding trust and ensuring lasting peace.
For now, relief efforts continue under heavy security, and residents remain hopeful that the government’s commitment to their welfare will lead to tangible improvements in their lives. However, the attack serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in achieving lasting stability in Kurram.
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