KURRAM: Hostilities in Kurram district persisted on Thursday despite a ceasefire agreement, with the death toll climbing to 90 as fresh clashes claimed 12 more lives and left 18 others injured. Violence has continued intermittently for over a week, with no signs of resolution.
The clashes initially erupted last week when a convoy of passenger vehicles was ambushed in Lower Kurram, killing over 40 people. On Thursday, reports indicated renewed firing in Jalmay, Chadrewal, and Talo Kunj villages. Sporadic violence was also reported in Upper Kurram’s Ghozghari, Matasangar, Maqbal, and Kunj Alizai areas.
A mortar shell struck the Frontier Constabulary (FC) Bassu Camp in Upper Kurram, injuring two FC personnel.
Ceasefire Efforts Falter
Efforts by local officials and elders to implement the ceasefire were unsuccessful. Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsood and other officials attempted to deploy police in trenches vacated by the warring factions in Balesh Khel and Sangeena, but continued firing thwarted their efforts.
In Lower Kurram, similar attempts by Assistant Commissioner Hafeezur Rehman, Superintendent of Police Jehanzeb, and other local leaders to enforce the ceasefire in Khar Kalay and Marganaye Cheena areas also failed, as violence continued in Bagan, Alizai, and Baleechkhel.
A grand jirga, comprising representatives from Kohat, Hangu, and Orakzai districts, held talks to extend the initial week-long ceasefire, which had been set to end on November 30, for an additional 10 days.
Exchange of Hostages and Bodies
As part of the ceasefire agreement, both sides agreed to vacate trenches, allowing the army and paramilitary forces to take control. Hostages and dead bodies were also exchanged during the truce.
In one exchange, four women and one man, kidnapped from Goddar and taken to Sateen, were handed over to authorities by local elders. Similarly, the body of a victim named Azizullah was returned to his family by one of the groups involved in the clashes.
Medical Shortages and Warnings
Kurram District Health Officer Dr. Qaisar Abbas reported a severe shortage of medicines in healthcare facilities across the district due to road closures. Meanwhile, National Assembly Member Hameed Hussain warned that if immediate measures were not taken, the conflict could escalate beyond the region.
