PESHAWAR – One of deadliest sectarian violence in Kurram region in northwestern Pakistan, prompted stern response from government as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial authorities declared emergency relief.
The district saw tribal clashes that led to significant loss of life and severe shortages of essential supplies. To address the growing crisis, CM Gandapur led cabinet approved a relief emergency, with authorities instructed to expedite efforts to provide food, medicine, and transport to the affected areas.
The relief operations would be advanced, focus on delivering critical items, including 10 tonnes of medicine and wheat at concessional rates. A helicopter service has been launched to overcome the region’s transportation challenges, successfully moving 220 people in just two days.
It all started in July and so far over 200 citizens, including women and children, have been killed with sporadic clashes continuing despite various measures. The government also closed key roads in and out of the district to control the violence, particularly after a deadly attack on a security convoy in November that left more than 40 people dead.
Several jirgas have been held to find long term resolution to tribal conflict. As KP government is committed to resolving the issue peacefully through dialogue, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur emphasized that the conflict is tribal in nature, not terrorism-related.
With the ongoing roadblocks, Parachinar, the central town in Kurram, is facing severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines, and other essential goods. The provincial government is working to re-open the main roads once an agreement is reached between the warring tribes.
The provincial government also announced establishment of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cell to tackle sectarian hate speech spreading on social media.
Gandapur, Naqvi for coordinated efforts to meet security challenges in KP
