First Aid Convoy to Kurram Finally Departs After Days of Delay
First Aid Convoy to Kurram Finally Departs After Days of Delay
HANGU: The first aid convoy that had been stranded in Tal for several days has finally departed for Kurram to deliver relief supplies to the residents of the Bagan area, officials reported to Geo News on Wednesday.
The Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) has sent out ten vehicles loaded with tents, mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, and other essential items in the initial phase of the operation. Additionally, another convoy carrying food supplies is anticipated to leave for Parachinar today.
Sources indicate that two to three more convoys of relief goods are scheduled to be dispatched to Kurram within the week. Insiders have also mentioned that the Peace Committee has guaranteed the government safe passage for the convoy and has committed to compensating the Bagan residents for their losses. Furthermore, they have assured authorities that they will hand over those responsible for the attack on Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud.
Efforts to deliver essential food supplies and other goods to various regions of the Kurram district commenced on January 4. However, the operation encountered obstacles following the attack on Mehsud in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram and a sit-in protest by local tribes in Mandori. Authorities temporarily suspended the convoy as tensions rose, but a resolution was not achieved for four days.
Frustrated drivers reportedly chose to return, with many vehicles carrying perishable items heading back, while others remained stationed in different locations within Tal.
Delay ‘compounding’ problems
Hangu Deputy Commissioner Gohar Zaman Wazir clarified for The News late on Tuesday, stating that only vehicles carrying perishable goods were turned back. He noted that the majority of the vehicles in the convoy remained stationary. Following months of turmoil, a ceasefire and a peace agreement have been reached, but residents of Kurram district are still waiting for the delivery of essential food and medical supplies.
For the past four days, convoys transporting relief goods have been unable to advance due to road closures. This delay is exacerbating the challenges the local population faces, which is experiencing a severe shortage of medicines. Reports have also emerged of children and other patients succumbing to inadequate medical treatment.
Lack of medical aid ‘causing deaths’
Social activist Ali Jawad reported that three additional children have succumbed to illness, raising the total number of fatalities during the road closures to 221, with 147 of those being children. He emphasized, “The lack of food and medical assistance is leading to these deaths. Urgent measures are required to avert further casualties.”
Member of the National Assembly Hamid Hussain called on authorities to promptly reopen the routes, stating, “The community has been under siege for three months. Any further delays will exacerbate the suffering of the residents. Immediate actions are necessary to ensure the availability of essential goods and medical support.”
District administration officials indicated that Section 144 has been enforced in Kurram, and a recent sit-in outside the Parachinar Press Club has concluded. They attributed the delay in convoy movements to an ongoing protest on the main road in the Mandori area of Lower Kurram. Tehsil Chairman Agha Muzzammil Hussain condemned the obstruction of food and medical supplies to Upper Kurram, labeling it inhumane.
Social worker Ameer Afzal Khan urged the government to swiftly reopen the primary routes for the transportation of food and medical supplies. Concurrently, protests have erupted in Sadda, where shopkeepers are demanding the release of Irshad Khan, the president of the local traders’ union, who was detained for allegedly delivering incendiary speeches.
umer
