PESHAWAR: The aid convoy to Parachinar in the restive Kurram district will be dispatched once the security situation stabilizes, said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government spokesperson Barrister Saif on Saturday.
Attack on Deputy Commissioner Delays Convoy Departure
The planned departure of an aid convoy at 10 am on Saturday was postponed after an attack on Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud in the Bagan area. The incident left the DC and four others injured.
The district administration stated that a comprehensive assessment of the region’s security situation is underway, and any decision regarding the convoy’s departure will follow consultations.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis in Kurram
The delay in the convoy exacerbates an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Kurram, which was declared a “disaster-hit” district last month. Acute shortages of medicines and other essential supplies have worsened conditions for the district’s 600,000 residents.
Prolonged road closures due to security concerns have further compounded the crisis. A sit-in is ongoing at the Parachinar Press Club, with residents demanding the reopening of roads to ensure the flow of relief supplies.
Tribal Clashes and the Fragile Peace Agreement
The convoy was scheduled to travel through the Tal-Parachinar road, which reopened recently after three months following a peace agreement between warring tribes. The 14-point accord includes the surrender of weapons and the dismantling of bunkers, with a committee to oversee its implementation within 15 days.
The peace agreement, brokered by the administration, initially offered hope to Kurram residents. However, the latest attack has cast uncertainty over its enforcement and the overall security situation.
Relief Supplies Await Deployment
The postponed convoy was prepared to deliver essential items such as medicines, oil, wheat, and other food supplies under police and Frontier Constabulary (FC) protection.
Speaking in Kohat, Barrister Saif expressed relief that the injured, including the deputy commissioner, were now in stable condition. He confirmed that the attack on the DC’s vehicle involved unknown assailants, resulting in injuries to law enforcers.
“The situation has been managed for now, and the convoy will proceed once conditions normalize,” Saif assured.
Government’s Warning to Aggressors
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government reiterated its warning that any acts of aggression in Kurram would be treated as terrorism, particularly following the dismantling of bunkers under the peace accord.
Conclusion
The postponement of the aid convoy highlights the fragile state of security in Kurram district. While the peace agreement and the reopening of roads initially signaled progress, the recent violence underscores the challenges in restoring stability. Immediate action to ensure the safe delivery of aid is critical to alleviating the district’s humanitarian crisis.