The prolonged blockade of roads in Kurram district has led to a severe shortage of food, daily-use items, and gas, forcing the closure of restaurants, tandoors, and all shops.
Religious scholars in Kurram have strongly condemned provincial information advisor Barrister Saif for dismissing reports of children's deaths as "false news.”
In an emergency press conference in Parachinar, prominent religious leaders, including Allama Noor Hussain Najafi, Allama Khyal Hussain, Allama Syed Safdar Ali Shah, Allama Iran Ali, and Allama Muhammad Hussain Tahiri, highlighted the dire conditions in the area.
Read more: Guns fall silent in Kurram district’s Parachinar after 49 deaths
They stated that 54 patients, including 29 children, have died due to the lack of medical care, while markets and shops remain closed due to the unavailability of essential goods, forcing people into starvation.
The scholars criticized Barrister Saif's statements, calling them deeply regrettable during such a crisis. They accused him of disregarding the suffering of the people by making misleading remarks. The scholars further warned that collecting weapons from besieged citizens, as suggested by Barrister Saif, would leave them defenseless against terrorists who have already held millions hostage by blocking the roads.
Engineer Hamid Hussain, a Member of the National Assembly and parliamentary leader of the MWM, and tribal leader Jalal Bangash also condemned Barrister Saif's statements. They emphasized that while citizens are dying from hunger and lack of medical care, the provincial government’s spokesperson’s misrepresentation of facts is shameful. Engineer Hamid Hussain stated, "With Barrister Saif in its ranks, the PTI does not need any other enemies."
Renowned social worker Faisal Edhi, after visiting Kurram, described the situation as dire. He said the people are enduring extreme hardship due to the unavailability of food and medicines.
The prolonged closure of the main roadways and the Afghan border, caused by repeated incidents of firing on convoys and clashes, has paralyzed life in Kurram district. Deputy Commissioner Kurram, Javed Ullah Mehsud, expressed hope that the two-week-long grand jirga in Kohat would reach a conclusive decision soon, paving the way for reopening roads and taking measures to restore normalcy in the region.
