The grand jirga held on the Kurram situation concluded without a final decision on Tuesday, despite a lengthy session in Kohat that lasted over nine and a half hours.

The jirga, aimed at restoring sustainable peace in the region, has been ongoing under the leadership of Kohat Commissioner Syed Motasim Billah Shah.

In the preceding discussions, one party requested a two-day extension for consultations. Following the expiration of the period, the jirga resumed its proceedings, running continuously for nine and a half hours.

Despite the extensive discussions, no agreement was reached and the jirga was ultimately adjourned until Wednesday at 11am. According to one party involved, there had been expectations of signing the agreement, which did not materialise.

The law and order situation in Kurram District has not returned to normal. The Parachinar-Tal road remained closed for the 85th consecutive day on Tuesday, halting all forms of transportation, and supply lines to Upper Kurram were disrupted.

The blockade has led to a severe shortage of food supplies, causing distress among residents. A protest sit-in outside the Kurram Press Club continues for the 12th day, with demonstrations also taking place at four other locations. According to the locally registered organisation, the Civil Society, a total of 200 people, including 128 children, have died due to a lack of medical treatment and facilities.

The communication network is severely affected due to mobile network outages. Public transportation, hotels, restaurants, and business centres, including bank ATMs, have also shut down. Thousands of overseas individuals who returned home for holidays are facing expired visas and tickets.

In the city, locally produced product prices have skyrocketed, with potatoes selling for Rs500 per kilogramme, onions at Rs380/kg, and second-grade tomatoes at Rs450/kg.

According to the chief imam of Parachinar, the sit-in will continue until their demands are met.

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The protests are not limited to Parachinar; similar demonstrations are ongoing in other districts as well. “If our routes remain blocked, then all routes will be blocked,” stated a protest leader.

Sources from the jirga indicate that one party has signed off on a 14-point decision, but the future of the negotiations remains uncertain as the protests persist.