A convoy of 61 vehicles carrying relief supplies reached Kurram on Wednesday, escorted by heavy security. The convoy, which included flour, medicines, and vegetables, was accompanied by police, district administration, and security forces.
“The convoy left for Parachinar at 1pm. Those responsible for any untoward incidents will be held accountable,” a source stated, before the convoy entered the Alizai area of Kurram via Bagan, the site of a deadly attack on a similar convoy on January 16, in which two security personnel and eight truck drivers were killed.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government announced plans to convene a jirga of signatories from the December 31, 2024, peace accord between warring factions in Kurram. The goal is to remind the signatories of their responsibilities in maintaining peace in the region.
A meeting chaired by KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur was attended by the provincial police chief, additional chief secretary (home), and other officials. It was decided that the demolition of bunkers in the district would resume immediately, with regular monitoring. The authorities also prioritized arrangements for temporarily displaced persons.
The meeting emphasized the need for visible efforts by political leaders and public representatives to restore peace, and the commitment to act against militants and extremists without discrimination. Both factions were instructed to submit a de-weaponization procedure for the district as soon as possible.
Additionally, the district administration and police will work together to arrest suspects named in FIRs, with the support of law enforcement agencies. Special contingents may be deployed to secure the Kurram Road, and the police are finalizing plans for temporary and permanent recruitment to maintain security.
Plans to restore and beautify Bagan Bazaar were also discussed. The statement noted that a unified narrative regarding the Kurram situation would be shared with the media to counter negative propaganda effectively.
Meanwhile, a military operation against miscreants in Kurram’s Ochat, Charkhel, Dadkamar, and Zarana areas concluded after four days. The district administration reported confiscating a large number of arms and destroying eight bunkers. Officials warned of strict action against any violations of the peace agreement.
The Thall-Parachinar Road has been closed since November 21 after a deadly attack on a convoy of 200 passenger vehicles traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar, in which over 130 lives were lost. This attack sparked armed clashes between two groups. Subsequently, Bagan Bazaar was attacked, resulting in the burning of over 500 shops and 600 houses. The road’s closure has led to severe shortages of food and medicine in Kurram.
