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Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Khan announced that all bunkers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district would be dismantled today, Sunday, as part of efforts to restore peace in the region under the peace agreement. The dismantling process, by the Kohat pact, is scheduled to begin at 12 pm, focusing on the villages of Khar Kaly and Balash Khel.
The collection of weapons across the district will continue until February 1, the DC confirmed.
The decision to dismantle the bunkers follows a resolution made last month by the KP apex committee, which came after weeks of violent tribal clashes that had severely disrupted law and order in the area. These conflicts have led to at least 130 deaths and numerous injuries, with many residents displaced. Violence escalated after an attack on a convoy that killed at least 43 people.
Kurram District, which borders Afghanistan, has faced significant hardships, including shortages of food and medicine, as road closures have disrupted supplies. Reports indicate that at least 147 children have died due to a lack of basic necessities and medical care.
In response, 12 additional vehicles carrying relief supplies, including food and medicines, arrived in Parachinar on Saturday. According to Assistant Commissioner Manan Khan, the vehicles traveled from Hangu to various locations in Kurram, with seven vehicles delivering supplies to Teri Mengal, four to Boshra, and one to Gaghri. “Strict security measures” were implemented along the Tal-Parachinar highway to ensure the safe delivery of aid.
The Parachinar-Tal main highway remains closed to all traffic due to a protest in Mandori, which has led to the blockage of essential routes. Sources indicated that a convoy of 40 vehicles is waiting to travel from Tal to Parachinar, while the business community stated that at least 500 trucks are required to alleviate the difficulties faced by Upper Kurram residents.
Dr. Syed Mir Hassan Jan, the Medical Superintendent of Parachinar DHQ, reported that local pharmacies are out of stock of medications, forcing many people to visit the DHQ hospital. The hospital receives between 2,300 and 2,500 patients daily, though emergency medications are still available. Medical unions have raised concerns over the lack of essential medicines, pointing out that Friday’s convoy did not include any medical supplies.
In Lower Kurram, protesters are demanding a relief package for victims of the Begun incident and compensation for their losses. They have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met.
