A three-week-long peace jirga (tribal council) in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, concluded successfully with the signing of a 14-point peace agreement between warring factions in Kurram district.

The jirga, led by Kohat Commissioner Muataasim Billah, finally reached a resolution after several days of negotiations. The signing of the agreement was met with jubilation among jirga members, who hope it will bring lasting peace to the troubled district. Both sides, represented by 45 individuals each, meticulously reviewed the agreement before signing.

According to Jirga member Malik Sawab Khan, the parties involved are bound by the apex committee’s decisions. Outstanding issues have been largely resolved, and a ceasefire has been agreed upon. The agreement stipulates that both sides will dismantle their checkpoints, surrender heavy weaponry to government custody, and work collaboratively with law enforcement to maintain peace and order.

Those violating the agreement will be handed over to the government. Plans are underway to reopen roads and facilitate the restoration of normalcy. Compensation for damages will also be addressed.

Kohat Commissioner Muataasim Billah confirmed the success of the Kurram negotiations, stating that only three signatures remained outstanding before the agreement was finalized.

The jirga had previously failed to reach an agreement due to the absence of two representatives from Lower Kurram. This delay, reported earlier by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, was attributed to the absence of two jirga members representing Sunni communities in Lower Kurram; one, former Senator Rasheed Ahmed Khan, was unable to attend due to a family bereavement. Despite this earlier setback, the agreement was finalized.

The agreement will lead to the reopening of roads to Parachinar, which have been blocked for several weeks, causing severe shortages of food and essential supplies. While the government has airlifted aid, and organizations like the Edhi Foundation have provided assistance, the situation for those cut off from the rest of the country remains critical.

Protests continue outside the Parachinar Press Club, despite the cold weather. A poetry session promoting peace was even held during a recent protest. Further demonstrations continue in Sultan, Gosar, and Bagan areas against the road closures.