The Kohat Grand Peace Jirga convened to tackle the ongoing unrest in Kurram district will continue today (Wednesday) as no consensus has yet been reached to end the violence in the troubled region, sources revealed. Geo News.
Negotiations have been ongoing for nearly a week with efforts to restore peace and reopen the main highway, which is closed to traffic, making life difficult for residents.
The deteriorating security situation has adversely affected daily life in Karam. Food, petrol and medical supplies are in short supply, with residents struggling to access essential services.
Gas shortages have forced bakeries and restaurants to close, adding to the community’s woes.
Meanwhile, addressing the Grand Jirga, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif called for unity and cooperation to restore peace.
He said that the end of hatred is necessary for the end of war. Saif assured the participants that the provincial government is taking steps to deliver medicines through helicopters and restore air travel services in the region.
He stressed the urgent need to remove private bunkers from the main highway and disarm the area of heavy weapons.
Saif added that both the tribes want peace, but certain elements have vested interests in continuing the conflict, which cannot be identified without public support.
He also promised strict action against those obstructing peace efforts.
The KPK CM aide urged the participants of the grand jirga to find a permanent solution to the dispute and expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement would be implemented on a long-term basis.
He further said that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also formed a committee to monitor the peace process between the warring tribes.
District Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud highlighted the ongoing measures to normalize the situation and help the affected residents.
Locals, however, stressed the need for a durable solution, and demanded the permanent reopening of the Peshawar-Parachinar Highway to ensure lasting peace.
Due to the violence that started last month and has claimed more than 130 lives, elected representatives from Kurram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Tuesday demanded the government to de-weaponize Lower and Upper Kurram districts. Start the campaign.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority has provided Deputy Commissioner Karam with Rs 150 million worth of relief goods to distribute among the victims of violence.
Last week’s All Parties Conference (APC) sounded the alarm over the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He highlighted the more than 200 deaths in the Karam unrest this year, which he blamed on ineffective governance at both the federal and provincial levels.
It also called for immediate steps, including release of funds earmarked for tribal districts under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, which have been dormant for over two years.