Peshawar, December 23, 2024: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has declared a relief emergency in the violence-stricken Kurram district, now officially designated as a “disaster-hit” area, following months of tribal clashes and prolonged road closures that have led to severe shortages of essential supplies.
Announcing the decision after a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif stated that authorities had been directed to expedite relief operations in the district. “Efforts are underway to ensure the delivery of medicines, food, and transportation via airborne services,” he said.
The ongoing roadblock has exacerbated shortages of food, medicines, fuel, firewood, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), severely impacting daily life and economic activities in Parachinar. To address the crisis, 10 tonnes of medical supplies have been delivered via airlift, and wheat is being distributed at concessional rates. The government has also launched a helicopter service, transporting at least 220 people within two days to alleviate transportation issues.
Since July, tribal clashes have claimed over 200 lives, with sporadic violence continuing despite multiple truces negotiated by tribal elders. The situation worsened in November when a security convoy escorting residents was attacked, resulting in over 40 fatalities. Subsequent clashes have left 133 dead and 177 injured.
In an effort to control the violence, key roads in and out of Kurram remain closed. Authorities have also introduced measures to prevent the spread of sectarian hatred, including establishing a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) cell to monitor inflammatory content on social media.
During the cabinet meeting, officials emphasized the need for sustainable peace efforts, including holding grand jirgas to mediate disputes and requesting the deployment of Frontier Corps (FC) personnel to the district. The government also plans to demolish illegal bunkers by February 1 and take over heavy weapons, which will be deposited with the authorities.
Chief Minister Gandapur clarified that the conflict is not terrorism-related but stems from tribal disputes. He criticized those fueling sectarian tensions, calling them “troublemakers” seeking to misrepresent the Kurram crisis. “The KP government is committed to resolving this issue peacefully through dialogue and jirgas,” he said, adding that no plans have been made for military operations in Tirah Valley or Jani Khel.
Cabinet documents revealed further steps to restore law and order, including the classification of troublemakers as terrorists and their inclusion in Schedule IV of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The government also approved grants for purchasing bomb-proof vehicles for district police officers in high-risk regions, including Peshawar, Kohat, and Dera Ismail Khan.
The KP government reaffirmed its commitment to unbiased and decisive action against those responsible for the violence.
