Peshawar/Hangu: A rocket was fired at the third aid convoy heading towards Kurram in Bagan on Thursday, according to police, marking a significant setback to the peace agreement that had allowed aid to be sent to the troubled region.
Authorities reported that one vehicle in the convoy was damaged by the rocket strike, but fortunately, no casualties have been reported from the incident.
In the aftermath, vehicles from the convoy began returning to Tal, and cargo trucks at the Chapri checkpoint were also heading back.
The district administration stated that the first phase of the third convoy to Kurram included 35 cargo vehicles carrying medicines, vegetables, fruits, and other food items.
It was also mentioned that additional vehicles were expected to depart for Kurram in the second phase later that day.
To ensure the safety of the convoy, police, Frontier Corps (FC), and other security forces had been deployed.
Difficulties for Patients
Meanwhile, the helicopter service for patient transfers from Kurram has been suspended for the past 10 days, causing severe difficulties for patients in the region.
Dr. Mir Hussain Jan, Medical Superintendent of the District Headquarters Hospital, confirmed to Geo News that the helicopter service, vital for transporting patients and medicines, has been out of operation for the last 10 days.
He added that the district administration had already sent a letter requesting the resumption of the service.
Dr. Jan further revealed that a request had been made to the administration for the transfer of 74 patients, as it seems unlikely that patients will be transferred by road under the current circumstances.
However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Religious Affairs, Muhammad Adnan Qadri, claimed that the helicopter service for Kurram district continues to operate.
Government Aid
The government has sent two consignments of aid to Kurram over the last two weeks, with the most recent shipment arriving in the tribal region on January 14.
However, local residents said that 25 truckloads of goods were “not enough” and urged the government to ensure the provision of medicines and resume the helicopter service for transferring patients requiring advanced treatment.
The district administration reaffirmed its efforts to open routes and allow more relief convoys to pass.
Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan stated that four bunkers had been removed as per the agreement, and more bunkers will be dismantled in Kurram.
“Efforts for the implementation of all provisions of the peace agreement are underway,” he added.
Kurram has been in turmoil for months following a wave of tribal violence in November 2024 that claimed over 130 lives and resulted in the closure of routes for more than 100 days.
However, a peace deal was reached between the warring tribes through negotiations facilitated by the Grand Jirga, the Kurram Peace Committee, and local peace groups, which led to the agreement to open routes and allow the transportation of relief goods as part of the 14-point agreement negotiated by tribal elders.
Nevertheless, the situation remains precarious.
