The situation in Kurram is “under control” after Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javedullah Mehsud was injured when unknown assailants fired at a convoy he was traveling in near Bagan on Saturday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson confirmed. lawyer Muhammad Ali Saif.
Just days earlier, the KP government said on Wednesday that both warring parties in Kurram districts had finally signed a peace agreement after more than three weeks of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire amid violence in the area.
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.
Today’s incident comes as an aid convoy carrying food and other basic needs was expected to leave for Kurram, ending the more than 80-day road blockade in the restive region.
However, the main protest against road closure in the district, which was held in front of the Parachinar Press Club, would continue as its organizers decided to keep up the agitation until the roads are open and safe. Another protest was also taking place in the Bagan area of Lower Kurram, demanding compensation for damage caused to homes and markets.
Barrister Saif had said in a statement that all arrangements related to travel and security were in place for the protection of the convoy.
Following today’s incident, Barrister Saif said arrangements were being made to transfer the DC to Peshawar by helicopter after he was taken to Alizai Hospital.
However, he said later in the day that DC Mehsud was being shifted to Thall Combined Military Hospital (CMH), where he was being provided with medical facilities.
“The DC is undergoing surgery but his condition is out of danger,” said Barrister Saif, who was present at the spot along with Kokat commissioner and deputy inspector general of police (DIG).
“The security personnel have taken full control of the situation,” he said. “The attack is a sinister conspiracy by unknown evildoers.”
“I appeal to the Sunni and Shia parties to remain peaceful and not fall victim to the conspiracy,” Barrister Saif said.
He added that although the convoy had been temporarily stopped, a clearance process was underway and the convoy would resume soon.
In a later update, he said the DC and an injured guard were sent to Peshawar by helicopter for further treatment. He said their condition was out of danger as they were provided with necessary medical treatment.
President Asif Ali Zardari stressed the need to take strict action against those damaging peace in Kurram and condemned the incident.
“Evildoers are enemies of the people who want to wreak havoc,” PPP said in a post on X. “The people must not allow evildoers to achieve their nefarious purposes.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
“An attempt was made to damage the peace agreement,” Shehbaz said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
“Those who disrupt law and order and the enemies of humanity will not be allowed to triumph. The government and security forces are actively working against terrorists,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said.
KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur sought a report of the incident from higher authorities, saying it was regrettable and condemnable that the attack took place just days after a peace agreement was signed.
“The incident is a deliberate and nefarious but unsuccessful attempt to sabotage the government’s peace efforts in Kurram,” Gandapur said, according to a statement issued by the CM House.
Strict action will be taken against those involved in the dismissal in accordance with the law, the CM said.
“The incident is the work of those who do not want peace to be restored in Kurram,” Gandapur said. “The provincial government is determined to restore peace in Kurram and resolve the problems faced by the people.”
The peace agreement is testimony to the fact that the people of Kurram are peaceful and want peace in the region, the CM said.
Gandapur added that the provincial government, along with the people of the area, would frustrate the nefarious efforts of those who did not want peace to be restored in the region.
“People in the area should help identify the wrongdoers and help bring aid to the areas,” he said.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said that “shooting on an aid convoy is clear proof of the incompetence and failure of the provincial government,” Kundi said in a post on PPP’s X.
The governor added that he would pray for DC Mehsud’s speedy recovery.
Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “conspiracy to sabotage the peace agreement,” according to a Home Ministry statement in X.
KP govt gives top priority to Kurram victims amid cold weather
Around 17 trucks with relief goods were sent to Kurram on instructions from Gandapur, the KP Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said in a press release issued today.
The aid was delivered to the Kurram administration from the PDMA warehouse under the supervision of Naik Muhammad Khan, Adviser to the Provincial Government for Relief, Rehabilitation and Resettlement.
To provide immediate aid to victims of the extreme cold, the relief supplies included 500 tents, 500 mats, 500 blankets, 500 beds, 500 medical protection kits, 200 tarps, 500 pillows, 50 solar lamps and 150 sleeping bags .
Naik Khan said that the Kurram victims were currently facing grave hardships and their needs had increased due to extreme cold, adding that the KP government was giving “top priority” to helping the victims and was utilizing all possible resources to his immediate rehabilitation.
He added that the PDMA and the district administration were in touch and working round the clock to meet the needs of the victims.
The official also assured the public that transparent distribution of relief materials will be ensured and said that rehabilitation and support to victims is the top priority of the provincial government.
He added that the KP government is working together with all the victims’ rehabilitation institutions so that their problems are resolved immediately.
