KP Govt bans public display of weapons
Tariq Saeed Peshawar
Declaring that as per the Apex Committee’s decision, Kurram will be cleared of arms and bunkers to ensure long-term peace and public display and use of weapons is strictly prohibited, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Friday announced that any party resorting to aggression in the Kurram district will be treated as terrorists once the existing bunkers are dismantled.
“Public display and use of weapons will be strictly prohibited, and no one will be allowed to collect funds or donations for purchasing arms. Additionally, under the terms of the agreement, the construction of any new bunkers will also be strictly banned. All existing bunkers in the area must be dismantled within one month. After their demolition, any party initiating aggression or unlawful activities will be deemed a terrorist group and will face strict legal consequences”. Adviser to KP Chief Minister’s on Information Barrister Muhammad Saif said on Friday. The warring tribes of the restive Kurram agency, it may be recalled, had on Wednesday eventually struck a peace deal after weeks long negotiations promising an end to the bloodshed and violence hitting the region over the decades and ensuring a lasting peace. 45 people from each warring side have signed the 14-point peace agreement. Both sides had agreed to hand over their weapons to the government amid warning of the government that if either side fails to do so will be dealt with severely.
Barrister Dr. Saif further elaborated that all travel and security arrangements for the convoy on Kurram Road have been finalized. As per the Apex Committee’s decisions the area will be cleared of weapons and bunkers as per the agreed terms to ensure peace and stability in the region. Furthermore, both parties involved are required to submit a comprehensive and coordinated plan for surrendering arms within 15 days.
According to the KP CM’s adviser the construction of new bunkers is forbidden under the recently signed peace agreement. All existing bunkers must be dismantled within a month, after which any faction engaging in hostilities will face strict action as terrorists. He added that travel and security arrangements are underway for convoys heading to Kurram as part of the disarmament efforts. The district administration has also confirmed that the main Peshawar-Parachinar highway will be reopened for convoys, with obstructions strictly disallowed.
Kurram, a district of more than 600,000 residents near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, has long been a hotspot for sectarian violence. Recent months have seen escalating tensions, with clashes since July to date leaving over 200 people including female and children dead and more that 500 hundred seriously wounded.
The Kurram district was declared “disaster-hit” by the KP provincial government with authorities airlifting medical supplies to the area and evacuating people in critical need. Besides, the KP Govt also launched MI-17 copter service for transportation of residents.
