The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced that action against miscreants in the troubled Kurram District is now unavoidable. Following months of unrest and attacks that claimed over 170 lives, authorities aim to stabilize the area through targeted operations, ensuring safety for peaceful residents.
Rising Tensions in Kurram
The volatile situation in Kurram stems from land disputes and violent clashes exacerbated by a deadly attack in Lower Kurram’s Bagan area in November 2024, which killed over 40 people. Since then, tensions have escalated, with further violence claiming at least 130 lives. Road closures have worsened the crisis, causing severe shortages of essential goods and medicines in Upper Kurram’s Parachinar region.
Although a ceasefire agreement was signed on January 1, subsequent attacks on a government convoy and an aid convoy in January 2025 have put the fragile truce at risk.
Planned Operations
In response to these challenges, the KP government and security officials convened to discuss measures for restoring peace. According to a statement by government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, authorities will take decisive action against miscreants while safeguarding peaceful residents. Camps for temporarily displaced persons (TDPs) will be established, with over 1,000 families expected to relocate from Lower Kurram to designated sites in Thall.
While the statement did not explicitly label the initiative a “military operation,” it confirmed the involvement of security forces to support police and civil authorities. Officials emphasized separating peaceful residents from disruptive elements to minimize collateral damage during the operation.
Read: Kurram Prepares TDP Camps Amid Counterterrorism Operation
Ceasefire and Local Cooperation
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the ceasefire agreement in line with Pashtun traditions. Authorities urged local communities to assist law enforcement in identifying miscreants. The government emphasized its solidarity with peaceful residents and vowed to bring those responsible for violence to justice.
Jirga Calls for Action
Members of a Kurram jirga have also called for immediate action against militants disrupting the peace process. In a letter addressed to top political and military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, jirga representatives highlighted the failure of state institutions in resolving the ongoing crisis.
The jirga demanded a joint investigation team (JIT) led by a judge to ensure strict punishment for terrorists, expose their supporters, and secure the main Thall-Parachinar Road for safe travel. They stressed the need to address losses suffered during convoy attacks and ensure adequate security measures moving forward.
Humanitarian Aid Efforts
Meanwhile, the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has dispatched an aid convoy of 22 trucks to Hangu for displaced families. Supplies include tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and solar lamps. KP CM’s relief aide Haji Naik Mohammad Dawood assured that affected families would receive ample support, with emergency cells working round the clock to address their needs.
The government remains focused on restoring peace in Kurram, urging public cooperation and promising swift action against disruptive elements. This marks a crucial step toward stability in the long-troubled district.
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