Kurram, November 29,2024- The death toll from ongoing clashes in Kurram district rose to 90 on Thursday, as efforts to implement a ceasefire failed to prevent hostilities that have persisted for over a week.
Fresh clashes on Thursday claimed 12 lives and left 18 others injured as intermittent firing continued in the upper and lower parts of the district, officials reported.
The conflict began last week when a convoy of passenger vehicles was ambushed in Lower Kurram, resulting in over 40 deaths. According to an official report, heavy firing occurred between the villages of Jalmay, Chadrewal, and Talo Kunj. Sporadic gunfights were also reported in Ghozgahri, Matasangar, Maqbal, and Kunj Alizai areas.
A mortar shell hit the Bassu Camp of the Frontier Constabulary (116 Wing) in Upper Kurram, injuring two personnel.
Local authorities, including Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsood and community elders, attempted to enforce a ceasefire by hoisting white flags in Balesh Khel and Sangeena. However, these efforts were undermined by ongoing firing. Similar initiatives in Lower Kurram, led by Assistant Commissioner Hafeezur Rehman and local leaders, also failed to curb the violence in areas such as Bagan, Alizai, Khar Kalay, and Baleechkhel.
A grand jirga, involving the Kohat division commissioner and representatives from Kohat, Hangu, and Orakzai districts, continued negotiations on Thursday. This followed a tentative agreement by the warring parties to extend a week-long ceasefire until December 10.
As part of the ceasefire agreement, both sides agreed to vacate trenches and hand them over to the army and paramilitary forces. They also exchanged hostages and the bodies of those killed during the clashes.
Elders, including ex-MNA Fakhar Zaman Bangash, facilitated the release of five hostages—four women and one man—who were handed over to the Kurram Militia in Lower Kurram. Separately, the body of Azizullah, son of Essa Khan, was returned to his family by one of the warring groups.
Kurram District Health Officer Dr. Qaisar Abbas reported an acute shortage of medicines in health facilities due to road closures. National Assembly Member Hameed Hussain warned that the conflict could spread beyond Kurram if immediate steps were not taken to address the crisis.
The situation remains tense, with both sides yet to fully honor the ceasefire agreement as violence continues to grip the region.
