Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur on Monday asserted that elements obstructing peace in Kurram will be dealt with an iron fist, and announced that head money would be fixed on miscreants to restore stability to the region.
This statement came after continued acts of terror in the restive region, where miscreants attacked aid convoys and government officials, despite a peace accord being signed between warring tribes last month following deadly clashes that claimed several lives.
Three days ago, an attack occurred in Upper Kurram, where unidentified persons opened fire at Boshehra Assistant Commissioner Saeed Manan, leaving him wounded. This was followed by multiple attacks on relief convoys heading to affected areas, though security forces successfully thwarted these attempts.
Speaking to Geo News, CM Gandapur highlighted the serious steps taken by the provincial government to establish peace in Kurram. He acknowledged the presence of miscreants in some areas.
“We have fixed head money on miscreants to eliminate this issue from its roots,” said the KP Chief Executive, adding that major issues had been resolved through the peace jirga in Kurram.
“This is an over-a-century-old issue that resurfaces periodically, but we are ready to face it,” Gandapur said. He also mentioned that bunkers established by warring tribes were being demolished daily, which hindered peace establishment, while four large consignments of rations had reached Kurram.
Peace Jirga Holds Important Session in Peshawar
Meanwhile, tribal elders from Kurram held a jirga session in Peshawar, attended by representatives from rival tribes, to discuss the implementation of the peace agreement and other related matters.
The session concluded on a positive note, with tribal elders from both sides assuring cooperation and agreeing to hold more sessions for lasting peace in the region.
“This jirga is a beacon of hope for the affected families of Parachinar,” said Munir Bangash, a jirga member. He added that through the jirga, they aimed to spread a message of unity, and today’s session demonstrated the success of the Kohat jirga.
Another jirga member, Jalal Bangash, revealed that the main focus of the meeting was on implementing the 14 points of the peace agreement between the warring tribes.
Following today’s meeting, a significant breakthrough was achieved. Jalal announced that both sides had agreed to reopen roads to Kurram, which is of great significance for the district. Additionally, both sides discussed eliminating bunkers and surrendering arms.
The region has been plagued by tensions, especially after an attack on a convoy traveling from Peshawar to Parachinar on November 21, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of at least 50 people, including women and children.
Kurram has been ravaged by tribal violence for decades, and since the new wave of fighting erupted in November, around 140 people have been killed.
As feuding tribes battle with machine guns and heavy weapons, the remote and mountainous region bordering Afghanistan has been largely cut off from the outside world.
The months-long blockade of roads has left residents of Parachinar and surrounding areas in dire need of essential supplies.
