A convoy of 40 trucks carrying essential relief supplies reached on Wednesday the unrest-hit Kurram district.
The convoy - dispatched by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government - carried food items, medicines, and other essential supplies.
It was divided into two parts, with 10 trucks reaching Bagan and the remaining 30 trucks arriving in Parachinar. The relief operation follows the reopening of key roads that had been closed for 94 days due to violent clashes.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner Kurram Ashfaq Khan termed the development a major step toward restoring peace and normalcy in the district.
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He assured that those responsible for the violence, including the recent attack on former Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud, would be held accountable.
Relief efforts amid tight security
The convoy departed under heavy security, with aerial monitoring ensuring its safe passage. Earlier, perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits were sent back to Peshawar due to delays caused by security concerns.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Information Advisor, Barrister Muhammad Saif, confirmed that the relief operation had been finalized after successful negotiations with local protestors. "The Grand Jirga, Kurram Peace Committee, and other local committees played a pivotal role in these talks, allowing us to resume aid efforts," he said.
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He further announced that additional convoys would follow in the coming days to ensure continuous supply of essential commodities to the district.
Region in crisis
The extended road closures had caused severe shortages of food, medicines, and other basic necessities across Kurram. The situation had escalated following a series of violent incidents, including the tragic firing on a passenger bus in November that claimed 50 lives and led to widespread clashes. Bagan Bazaar was also set ablaze during the unrest.
The conflict resulted in the closure of roads leading to Parachinar, cutting off the region from vital supplies. Protests and sit-ins led by Shia scholars in Parachinar and Karachi had urged the government to take immediate action to restore access.
The district administration has registered cases against five suspects for the January 4 attack on former Deputy Commissioner Mehsud and other officials. Three of the accused have been arrested thus far.
Despite a peace agreement brokered on January 1 by tribal elders and government representatives, logistical and security challenges delayed the delivery of relief supplies.
