PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has claimed that hostile international forces are fueling violence in the conflict-ridden Kurram region in an attempt to destabilize Pakistan.
“Land disputes can happen anywhere, but the intensity of the conflict in Kurram demands deeper attention,” the firebrand CM said on Wednesday, expressing fears that non-state actors were determined to use these sparks to set the entire country on fire.
Kurram has been plagued by violence for decades, with over 150 people killed in a fresh round of clashes that began in November last year. The conflict erupted when two separate convoys traveling under police protection were ambushed, resulting in at least 40 deaths.
In the latest incident, a convoy carrying food and supplies to Kurram was attacked while being escorted by security forces. At least seven people lost their lives, including five security personnel, a truck driver, and a passerby. Official sources reported that two attackers were also killed in the ensuing gun battle.
More than 20 people sustained injuries, including five security personnel and five truck drivers. The 64-truck convoy heading to Parachinar came under attack at multiple locations, including Mandori, Ochat, Charkhel, and Bagan.
Despite these challenges, CM Gandapur reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing Kurram’s longstanding issues and ensuring concrete measures for lasting peace in the region.
“Such land conflicts are common, but do entire villages rise against each other?” he questioned, implying that the situation had deeper roots and possible external interference.
Suggesting foreign involvement in the crisis, he stated that the sophisticated weaponry supplied to the warring factions in Kurram was alarming and indicative of outside influence.
“The KP government is actively working to resolve the matter and has already allocated Rs2 billion for the installation of CCTV cameras to enhance security,” the CM announced. “We are also establishing security checkpoints along key routes to prevent targeted attacks,” he added.
Gandapur vowed a firm crackdown on elements causing unrest, asserting that there would be zero tolerance for those destabilizing the region.
“A clear message has been sent—anyone spreading terror will not be spared and will face justice,” he declared.
He further revealed that bounties had been placed on individuals responsible for inciting violence. “We will not back down from our responsibility to ensure lasting peace,” he assured.
Prolonged road blockages and the complete suspension of movement to and from Kurram have left the district isolated from the rest of the country, leading to severe shortages of food and medicine, reportedly causing additional deaths.
A ceasefire agreement was brokered by the government and military, mandating the surrender of all weapons and the removal of bunkers as per KP Apex Committee directives. However, despite this agreement, attacks on convoys and vehicles continue, including an ambush targeting Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud and Assistant Commissioner Saeed Manan Boshehra.
Last month, terrorists attacked a 35-vehicle convoy carrying rice, flour, cooking oil, and essential medicines for local traders in Kurram, killing at least eight people, including security personnel, drivers, and civilians.
