Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said the situation in Kurram was “returning to normal” as 25 vehicles of a second convoy carrying essential items arrived in the district.
Clashes stemming from decades of land disputes have claimed at least 130 lives since November, and shortages of food and medicine have been reported due to weeks-long road blockades.
Following a peace deal between warring parties in Kurram district, security forces and district administration began demolishing bunkers in Lower Kurram using explosives, while residents of Parachinar witnessed a shutdown strike on Monday to protest the prolonged road closures.
During a federal cabinet meeting today, Chief Minister Shahbaz stated, “All parties concerned will maintain peace,” adding that incidents like this will never happen again.
He further said, “The bunkers that were once established have been demolished,” adding that food and other supplies were being delivered to residents of the district.
Separately, a convoy of 45 vehicles carrying food and other necessities was sent to the district, according to Kurram Deputy Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed. He said several measures were being taken to provide relief to the people, including reopening of roads.
According to Parachinar union leader Nazir Ahmed, 20 vehicles of the convoy were turned back, while 25 vehicles reached Kurram center and headed towards upper Kurram.
Young Doctors Association leader Zulfiqar Ali said medical warehouses and private hospitals had closed due to shortage of medicines.
Meanwhile, Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeen (MWM-P) MNA Hameed Hussain said in a statement that 45 trucks were not enough for millions of people, adding that “arrangements should be made to send more than 100 vehicles.” .
Last week, a convoy of 40 vehicles carrying food and other necessities was sent to the district after being detained in Thall for five days, according to government officials.
KP government spokesperson Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif emphasized that restoring peace and order in the region was a “top priority” for the provincial government and that all necessary measures were being taken to meet the needs of the affected people.
