After several days of violent clashes in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a temporary ceasefire has been arranged between the warring factions following the intervention of a government-led jirga.
The ceasefire, which will last for seven days, is aimed at easing tensions that have resulted in nearly 100 deaths and numerous injuries.
Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, advisor to the KP government and a member of the delegation, confirmed that both sides agreed to a truce, which includes returning prisoners and the bodies of those killed in the conflict.
The jirga, after holding discussions with Shia elders yesterday and Sunni elders today, has returned to Peshawar.
The ongoing violence in regions such as Bagan, Alizai, Balshakhel, Khar Kalay, Maqbal, and Kunj Alizai has claimed at least 75 lives and left over 80 others injured in the past three days. In the last 24 hours, 31 more people were killed, with 12 additional fatalities reported in fresh shooting incidents.
The latest wave of violence followed an attack on passenger vehicles in Lower Kurram two days ago, which killed 45 people. Since then, the security situation in the area has worsened, with retaliatory strikes leading to further casualties.
A delegation from the provincial government has arrived in Parachinar to address the escalating situation in Kurram district, following directives from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Saif confirmed that the delegation comprises himself, Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam, Chief Secretary Zahid Nadeem Aslam, IGP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, the Kohat commissioner, DIG, and other key government officials.
On Saturday evening, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur led an important video conference to assess the deteriorating situation in Kurram, which has seen intense violence in recent days.
The delegation discussed possible solutions for the conflict with elders in Parachinar and briefed the CM on the proposals and demands they received.
Gandapur stated that the government is committed to finding a peaceful and lasting solution to the Kurram conflict, and he is personally overseeing the situation in the region. He condemned yesterday’s incident, expressing deep regret and sympathy for the families affected. “I share the grief of the bereaved families,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the government is working to prevent such tragedies from recurring and will determine the next steps based on the suggestions and discussions with tribal elders.
Gandapur emphasized that the legitimate demands of all parties will be addressed, and the government delegation will meet with local elders and stakeholders to finalize proposals. “A ceasefire is essential to move forward with resolving the conflict,” he stated.
He urged both sides to agree to a ceasefire to make progress toward a resolution. “Restoring peace in the area is the provincial government’s top priority,” Gandapur affirmed.
He explained that all possible measures will be taken to restore peace, noting that negotiations remain the best approach for resolving issues. “The matter will be peacefully resolved through a jirga, following Pashtun traditions,” he concluded.
