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The crucial highway linking Parachinar to the rest of Kurram Agency remains blocked for the 110th consecutive day, exacerbating an already dire situation. The blockade has led to severe shortages of essential supplies, leaving residents on the brink of starvation.
Sources reveal that preparations for a large-scale military operation are underway in four village councils of Lower Kurram, with security forces having already seized several key positions. Local police confirm a significant troop presence in the area, signaling that action is imminent.
In response to the impending operation, residents of Lower Kurram are protesting what they view as a unilateral military decision. The Turi and Bangash tribes, in particular, have set a 6 PM deadline for the government to reopen the highway and ensure the safety of the region. They cite over ten violations of a previous peace agreement and warn that failure to address their demands will lead to their withdrawal from the accord and the formulation of their own plans.
District administration officials have acknowledged delays in the dismantling of bunkers, with eight bunkers—belonging to both sides—having been destroyed thus far. However, the larger issue remains the ongoing blockade, which continues to take a heavy toll on the civilian population. Tragically, two more children have died due to the blockade, bringing the total number of child deaths to 157. Dr. Syed Mir Hassan Jan, Medical Superintendent of Parachinar District Headquarters Hospital, confirmed that 38 of these fatalities occurred at his facility alone.
The blockade has plunged the region into a full-scale humanitarian crisis, with urgent calls for intervention growing louder.
