KARRAM: Demolition of bunkers in Kurram district hit by deadly violence is scheduled to begin today (Sunday), as ordered by Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan as per the decision of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Apex Committee to restore peace in the region. . .
After lengthy negotiations between the warring tribes, a peace agreement was reached on January 1, 2025, with the removal of the bunkers as one of the most difficult but necessary demands.
In Karam, authorities have begun dismantling bunkers in line with the 14-point Kohat peace accord. Among the key points of the agreement was the removal of structures that have caused tension and violence in the region.
The Deputy Commissioner on Saturday night directed all the authorities concerned to start the work of removing bunkers from Khar Kali and Balashkhel villages of Lower Karam from Sunday.
Ashfaq directed the Executive Engineer (EXEN) of C&W (Communication and Works) Department of Upper and Lower Kuram to ensure his presence during the demolition process. He also directed the authorities to take necessary equipment and workers with them for this purpose.
“Initially, bunkers will be removed from one village of each party and a 14-member government team will visit both villages in this regard,” he said.
It should be noted that last month in the Apex Committee meeting, it was decided to remove the bunkers in Kurram.
Relief materials were delivered in Karam.
Meanwhile, the district administration says food items and medicines have been delivered to Upper Kurram areas.
“Seven trucks of goods were delivered to Ghozgarhi, four to Bushehra and seven trucks to Teri Mangal. Meanwhile, the process of delivering food and medicines to different areas is going on,” the administration said.
He said that as per the peace agreement, the demolition of the bunkers will start soon.
The News reported that the administration said that essential assistance will continue to be provided to residents to ensure the distribution of food and medicine in various areas.
Meanwhile, the prolonged closure of travel routes leading to Karam district has entered its 100th day, leaving residents facing shortages of food, medicine and other basic necessities.
The blockade has also put the health of several patients at risk, including a five-year-old boy, Mohammad Shahzad, whose eyesight is at risk without immediate medical attention.
The restive region has been in the spotlight for months now as a recent spate of tribal violence in the district has claimed more than 130 lives and left scores injured, before it lasted nearly 50 days earlier this month. After ongoing negotiations, an agreement was finally reached to end hostilities. Tribal elders
The two sides in the conflict agreed on 14 points with the help of the Grand Jirga, which included the handover of private weapons to the government as well as the dismantling of bunkers.
It was hoped that the agreement would hold as the violence forced the government to block the Tal Parachinar road, leading to shortages of food, medicine and other essential items in the district.
The decision to dismantle the bunkers follows a recent attack near the Balashkhel outpost, where a police armored vehicle was fired upon from a bunker. Although no casualties were reported, the incident highlighted the dangers such structures pose in perpetuating conflicts.
The removal of these forts is seen as an important step towards lasting peace in the region. Officials believe the move will help prevent future clashes and promote better relations between tribal communities.