Kohat, December 30, 2024: A significant breakthrough in the Kurram peace agreement is anticipated as tribal elders have agreed to sign the draft. Government representatives and tribal leaders are scheduled to hold another jirga (tribal council) on Tuesday to finalize the agreement. While progress has been made, one group of elders has yet to fully endorse the draft, delaying a final resolution.
The main road connecting Peshawar to Parachinar has been closed for over two and a half months, severely affecting residents in Parachinar and Upper Kurram. Food and medicine shortages have led to widespread protests and sit-ins at multiple locations, including the Parachinar Press Club. Demonstrations have also spread to major cities such as Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, and Gilgit, where participants are demanding urgent action to resolve the crisis.
Under the proposed agreement, military troops will secure the main road at regular intervals, and violations will result in eviction and demolition of homes in affected areas. Heavy weapons will remain under the custody of national elders, though some factions insist they be handed over to the government. The agreement also includes compensation for victims of the Lower Kurram Bagan tragedy and restrictions on carrying weapons in public.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Information Advisor Barrister Saif reported progress in negotiations, stating that bunkers and weapons would be removed, and air services and medical supplies have already resumed for the region. However, he emphasized that further consultations are required before the agreement can be finalized.
Protests organized by groups such as Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen continue across Parachinar and other cities. In Karachi, demonstrations now in their sixth day have caused significant traffic congestion in areas like Numaish, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and Malir. Protesters, including men, women, and children, have pledged to continue until the demands of Parachinar residents are fully addressed.
The unrest follows escalating violence in Kurram District, including an attack on a passenger vehicle on November 21 that left 41 dead, including women and children. Subsequent clashes resulted in over 130 fatalities. Government and jirga members remain optimistic that ongoing discussions will yield a lasting peace agreement, reopen critical routes, and alleviate the suffering of Kurram’s residents.
