Kurram, January 19, 2025 – Security forces have imposed a curfew in Lower Kurram and initiated a military operation in the Bagan area to locate and apprehend the terrorists responsible for the recent attack on an aid convoy, which resulted in the deaths of multiple officials and truck drivers.
The Parachinar highway, which connects the region to the rest of Kurram Agency, has been blocked for the 110th consecutive day, causing severe shortages of essential supplies and leaving local residents at risk of starvation.
Reports indicate that preparations for the military operation have been made in four village councils in Lower Kurram, with forces securing several positions. A significant troop presence has been confirmed by local police.
Protests have erupted among Lower Kurram residents, who have condemned the planned operation as a unilateral military action. The Turi and Bangash tribes have given the government a 6 PM deadline, citing over ten breaches of a previous peace agreement. They have warned that failure to reopen the highway and ensure the region’s safety will prompt them to withdraw from the agreement and pursue independent actions.
Officials from the district administration have acknowledged delays in dismantling bunkers, noting that eight bunkers from both sides have been destroyed so far.
Sadly, the prolonged blockade has resulted in the deaths of two more children, raising the child death toll to 157. Dr. Syed Mir Hassan Jan, the Medical Superintendent at Parachinar District Headquarters Hospital, confirmed that 38 of these deaths occurred at his facility. The ongoing blockade continues to worsen the humanitarian crisis in the area.
