Lower Kurram Bunkers to be Demolished as Desperate Residents Await Vital Aid
Lower Kurram Bunkers to be Demolished as Desperate Residents Await Vital Aid
The district commissioner announced that the demolition of bunkers in Lower Kurram, as per a recent peace agreement, is set to commence today.
On December 20, the apex committee of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa resolved to dismantle all bunkers in Kurram District in an effort to restore stability, following weeks of deadly tribal conflicts that led to a serious law and order crisis.
Conflict arising from long-standing land disputes has resulted in the deaths of at least 130 individuals since November, while also causing shortages of food and medicine due to extended road blockades.
Following months of unrest, a peace agreement was finalized between the fighting factions on January 1. Nonetheless, even with a pause in hostilities, the route linking Parachinar with the rest of the province remained obstructed.
On January 4, a government convoy was attacked near the Bagan area, resulting in injuries to the deputy commissioner of Kurram. Since that incident, the convoy has remained stuck.
A convoy consisting of 40 vehicles loaded with food and essential supplies was sent to Kurram district on January 8 after being delayed in Thall for five days.
On Saturday, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi urged the federal government and armed forces to intervene immediately to restore order, blaming the area’s ongoing unrest on the shortcomings of the PTI-led government, which he claimed has exacerbated the crisis.
“The police are unable to handle or confront the bunkers and advanced weaponry. The peace agreement has not produced meaningful outcomes because those attempting to address the issues lack government support. Without such backing, achieving peace is impossible,” he stated.
A letter was sent out on Saturday by Kurram District Commissioner Ashfaq Khan to the Communication and Works Department responsible for Upper Kurram and Lower/Central Kurram.
The letter indicated that the government plans to demolish the bunkers in the Balish Khel and Khar Kali regions of Lower Kurram, “for which personnel and necessary tools from your respective department will be required to ensure the process is completed efficiently and effectively.”
“In light of this, you are instructed to be present at the designated sites along with ten workers from your offices, along with the required tools,” the letter stated.
The DC mentioned that the demolition is set for 12 PM today (Sunday). He noted that according to the peace agreement, the bunkers will be eliminated by February 1, and the weapons utilized in the tribal conflicts will be gathered.
On Saturday, an extra 12 trucks loaded with relief supplies arrived in Kurram district from Thall, according to Assistant Commissioner Mannan Khan. Seven trucks have reached Tari Mangal, four trucks have arrived at Boshra, and one truck has made it to Ghozgarhy.
Dr. Syed Mir Hassan Khan, Medical Superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital Parachinar, reported that local medical stores have exhausted their medicinal supplies, with approximately 2,300 to 2,500 patients visiting the DHQ Hospital daily.
Iqbal Hussain, President of the Medical Unions, stated that essential medications are unavailable in the region and that none of the recent aid convoys included any medications.
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