The director general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, has attributed the ongoing security challenges in Kurram and Parachinar districts to poor governance by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial administration, ruling out terrorism as the underlying cause.
Speaking to the media on Friday, the ISPR chief emphasized that the issues in these districts are rooted in land and tribal disputes rather than terror activities. He stated, "The incidents in Kurram are a glaring example of bad governance and misplaced priorities by the provincial government."
Lt Gen Sharif highlighted that resolving these disputes is the responsibility of political leaders through dialogue. "The army and other institutions are tasked with implementing decisions, but it is the job of politicians to lead negotiations and bring conflicting parties to the table," he added.
Meanwhile, Kurram district continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis as tensions remain high, with more than a hundred villages cut off from essential supplies of food and medicine due to the closure of the main highway.
Also Read: No breakthrough as tensions persist in Kurram amid ongoing road blockade
The Kohat Jirga convened to resolve the conflict has yet to yield significant progress.
One faction has expressed willingness to surrender weapons, while the opposing side has requested additional time to deliberate. Despite ongoing deliberations, the jirga has failed to agree on reopening the main highway, leaving thousands of residents in distress.
District administration officials remain hopeful for a resolution, as a final decision is expected to emerge from today's Grand Jirga convening. However, the delay in finding a solution has exacerbated the situation.
Protests have intensified, with demonstrations taking place in five locations, including the Parachinar Press Club. Protesters voice their frustration over the dire consequences of the blockade. Reports suggest over a hundred children have tragically lost their lives due to a lack of medical treatment. Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are also struggling to access critical care.
Also Read: Sixth day of Parachinar protests over prolonged blockade, 'massive deaths'
A couple of days ago, Upper Kurram Tehsil Chairman Agha Muzammil Hussain claimed that over 100 children had lost their lives due to the unavailability of treatment and basic facilities during the road closure. An equal number of cancer patients and others suffering from severe ailments had also succumbed to the crisis, he added.
He warned that if the blockade that had trapped hundreds of thousands of people continued, he and other local government representatives would tender their resignations in protest against the inaction. Despite freezing temperatures, large numbers of residents, including women and children, are actively participating in the ongoing sit-in for the eight consecutive day on Friday.
Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud acknowledged the citizens’ hardships and highlighted ongoing efforts to resolve the issue. A Grand Peace Jirga has been initiated to restore peace and address the problems caused by the road closures. Tribal elders and leaders have arrived in Kurram district to facilitate negotiations.
