Efforts Underway to Restore Peace Amid Tribal Clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
KOHAT: The death toll from ongoing tribal clashes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district has risen to 124, with 178 others injured, despite attempts to implement a ceasefire. Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has called for urgent measures to restore peace in the conflict-ridden region, directing authorities to dismantle dugouts of warring tribes and seize their weapons.
These directives were issued during a grand jirga held in Kohat, attended by elders from the rival tribes. Speaking at the event, Gandapur reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to establishing peace, pledging to go to any extent necessary to achieve this goal.
The violence, which has persisted for over ten days, initially erupted on November 21 with ambushes targeting two police-escorted convoys, resulting in 52 fatalities. Since then, clashes have escalated, straining the capabilities of law enforcement.
Communication Blackout and Disruptions
The Kurram district is experiencing a complete communication blackout, with mobile and internet services suspended and educational institutions closed. The closure of the main highway has disrupted transportation and trade, including cross-border commerce with Afghanistan via the Kharlachi border.
A truce brokered earlier this week failed to hold as intermittent violence continued.
Directives for Peace and Rehabilitation
During the jirga, the Chief Minister emphasized immediate resettlement efforts for victims rendered homeless by the conflict. “Losses of life and property must be compensated immediately,” he stated, adding that seized weapons would remain under administrative custody until peace is fully restored.
Additionally, Gandapur urged strict action, including arrests and legal proceedings, against those using social media to spread hate. He appealed to the tribes to declare a ceasefire and adhere to previous peace agreements, stressing that restoring peace requires active cooperation from the community.
Persistent Instability
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recorded 79 deaths in Kurram from July to October this year, highlighting the region’s chronic instability. Previous ceasefire efforts, including a seven-day truce brokered earlier this month, have proven ineffective.
Provincial officials, including KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and IGP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, have been actively involved in mediation, yet violence has resumed after each attempt at reconciliation.
The provincial administration remains determined to restore stability and ensure the safety of all citizens in the troubled region.
