Kurram Agency, January 4,2025: Deputy Commissioner of Kurram, Javedullah Mehsud, was among five people injured when unidentified assailants opened fire on a convoy of government vehicles in Lower Kurram near Irfani Killi, Tehsil Alizai. According to initial reports, two security personnel and three passers-by were also injured. The injured were transported to Tehsil Lower Alizai Hospital, while Mr. Mehsud and his guard were later airlifted to Peshawar after undergoing surgery at Tal CMH. Adviser to the KP government, Barrister Saif, confirmed that the deputy commissioner had been struck by three bullets but was out of danger. Additional medical care will be provided at Peshawar CMH.
The district administration reported that the attack occurred near the Bagan area of Lower Kurram, where intermittent gunfire continued for some time. Local authorities have launched a search operation, with Kohat Regional Police Officer confirming that the attack was carried out by unidentified elements rather than warring tribal factions.
Adviser Barrister Saif, who was present at Tal CMH along with Kohat Commissioner Motasim Billah and other officials, described the situation as “under control,” with security forces securing the area. Terming the attack a “sinister conspiracy,” he urged all sides to remain calm and not be provoked by hostile elements. He assured that the halted convoy would soon resume its journey after clearance.
Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate attempt to disrupt peace in Kurram. He directed higher authorities to submit an urgent report and vowed strict action against those responsible. Expressing solidarity with the injured, the chief minister wished them a swift recovery and reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring stability in the region. Gandapur highlighted the importance of the recently signed peace agreement between warring tribes, emphasizing that it reflects the local population’s desire for lasting peace.
Meanwhile, relief efforts are underway to support the affected population in Kurram. Acting on the chief minister’s instructions, Advisor Relief Naik Muhammad handed over essential supplies to the district administration. The aid, which was dispatched from the PDM Peshawar Warehouse, includes 500 tents, blankets, mats, pillows, medical kits, and 150 sleeping bags, along with 50 solar lamps and 200 tarpaulins.
This attack comes shortly after the reopening of the Tal-Parachinar road, which had been closed for three months due to sectarian violence and tribal clashes. The road’s closure had created a humanitarian crisis by halting the movement of essential goods and services. Following intense negotiations and a peace agreement signed by tribal elders, the road was reopened, allowing a convoy of over 75 vehicles to deliver crucial supplies, including food and medicine, to the conflict-affected Kurram district.
Barrister Saif, present at the convoy’s departure, underscored the role of peace committees in maintaining order and safeguarding convoys. Composed of tribal elders and political representatives, these committees play a vital role in ensuring the fragile peace holds. The peace agreement also includes provisions for disarming local residents, dismantling private bunkers, and restoring law and order in the coming weeks.
Lower Kurram has long been plagued by sectarian violence, with over 200 casualties reported since July. Tensions reached a peak in November, worsening the humanitarian situation. Although reports suggested that over 100 children had died due to a shortage of medicine during the road closure, the provincial government has denied these claims. Despite the challenges, efforts to stabilize the region and improve the humanitarian situation are ongoing.
