The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has declared a relief emergency in Kurram district, now officially labeled “disaster-hit,” following months of tribal clashes and prolonged road closures. The government aims to address the severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential items in the region while working toward sustainable peace.
Emergency Relief Measures
In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the KP cabinet approved urgent steps to alleviate the crisis. Authorities launched a relief operation to supply medicines, food, and other essentials via airborne services. Over 10 tonnes of medicine have already been delivered to address shortages, while wheat is being provided at concessional rates.
Additionally, the government has introduced a helicopter service to ease transportation problems. In just two days, 220 people were transported using this service.
Impact of Tribal Clashes
The situation in Kurram has been deteriorating since July, with ongoing tribal disputes resulting in more than 200 fatalities. A recent attack on a security convoy in November escalated tensions, leaving over 40 dead and leading to the closure of major roads. Since then, sporadic clashes have claimed 133 more lives and wounded 177 people.
Economic activities remain paralyzed, with residents facing an acute shortage of fuel, firewood, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Daily life in Parachinar, the district’s hub, has come to a standstill.
Plans for Lasting Peace
Efforts to resolve the conflict include organizing jirgas, or tribal assemblies, to mediate between the groups. The cabinet also decided to establish safety checkposts and a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cell to counter sectarian hate speech on social media.
Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized that the issue is not terrorism but a tribal conflict. He criticized those spreading sectarian hatred, calling them responsible for worsening the situation. “The KP government seeks a peaceful solution through talks and jirgas,” he stated.
Crackdown on Armed Groups
The cabinet announced firm measures to disarm the region. All illegal heavy weapons will be seized, and bunkers built by armed groups will be demolished by February 1. A new desk in the Home Department will regulate weapon licenses, while a grant has been issued to procure bomb-proof vehicles for law enforcement in sensitive districts.
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Troublemakers will be classified as “terrorists,” and their names will be added to Schedule IV, a legal framework for monitoring individuals involved in violence. The government vowed to take “unbiased ruthless action” against all offenders without favoritism.
Federal Support Requested
To strengthen law enforcement in Kurram, the provincial government has urged the federal government to deploy the Frontier Corps (FC). A grand jirga is also planned to ensure sustainable peace and long-term solutions to the tribal disputes.
Through these pragmatic steps, the KP government aims to restore stability in Kurram and alleviate the suffering of its residents, bringing hope for a peaceful future.
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