The tribal district of Kurram continues to experience heightened tensions for the 70th consecutive day, leading to significant disruptions in daily life and severe hardships for local residents.

The situation escalated following a tragic shooting incident on October 12 in the village of Kanj Alizai, resulting in the deaths of 15 people. Since then, ongoing gunfire and road blockages have made life increasingly unbearable. A subsequent attack on November 21 claimed the lives of 56 individuals and injured 104 others, igniting tribal clashes that lasted for 11 days, with considerable casualties on both sides.

According to police reports, the past two months have seen 161 fatalities and over 220 injuries due to various shooting incidents and tribal conflicts. As a result, the main highway and other routes remain closed, causing a dire shortage of essential supplies including food, medicines, fuel, and cooking gas.

Residents have not had access to fresh vegetables or fruits for over a month and are struggling to find basic necessities.

The Pak-Afghan Kharlachi border, previously a hub for millions in daily trade, has also been shut for the last two months, further exacerbating the situation.

Trade Union president Syed Mubeen Hussain has called for the temporary reopening of the Kharlachi border to alleviate public suffering. The ongoing crisis has notably impacted both the Christian and Hindu communities in the region.

Members of the Christian community, including Fitalis, expressed their dismay, stating that their annual celebrations have turned into sorrow due to a lack of supplies and closed roads, making it impossible to purchase essential items for their families. Similarly, Hindu community members reported that road blockages have severely affected their businesses, leaving Parachinar in a state of distress.

Medical Superintendent (MS) District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Parachinar, Dr Syed Mir Hassan Jan, reported that a lack of medicines and inadequate treatment has led to the deaths of 29 children in hospitals. Critically ill patients remain without proper care, as no arrangements have been made to transfer them to other districts.

The DMS DHQ Hospital District Health Officer, Dr. Qaiser Abbas, announced that the polio vaccination campaign has been postponed until travel routes are reopened and sustainable peace is established.

In response to the crisis, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has ordered the dispatch of additional medicines worth Rs2 billion to Kurram. However, hospital sources indicate that the supplies sent are inadequate, with medications for conditions not relevant to the current emergency.

Faisal Edhi has arrived in Parachinar to address the medicine shortage and assist in transferring critically ill patients to other districts via air ambulance.

A grand jirga has been convened in Kohat to seek a resolution for the ongoing conflict, involving local leaders and government officials. Despite extensive discussions, no conclusive results have emerged. Jirga member Haji Izzatullah expressed hope for a better solution for peace.

Read more

Several road closure causes severe shortage of essential goods in Parachinar

Fresh clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram killed 80 people

Warring tribes in KP’s Kurram reach ceasefire as forces, police deployed at outposts

The Information Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Saif, stated that the jirga has not failed; both sides have requested additional time for negotiations. Measures will be taken to dismantle armed factions and ensure a weapon-free Kurram.

Kurram’s Deputy Commissioner Javed Ullah Mehsud confirmed that discussions and negotiations between the parties are ongoing, with plans to reopen roads once a final agreement is reached.