KURRAM: The Grand Jirga has reached a peace agreement between the rival parties in the Kurram district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, disagreements persist over the reopening of key roads closed for around 80 days.
The Jirga, convened under government auspices, aims to secure lasting peace, disarm rival groups, dismantle fortified positions, and reopen all routes, including the Parachinar-Peshawar highway.
Negotiators have resolved 12 out of 14 points outlined by the Apex Committee, but a deadlock remains on weapon collection and road access.
Elders from six Ahle Sunnat tribes insist weapons should be surrendered before dismantling bunkers and reopening roads. However, Tori tribal leaders argue roads must be reopened first, followed by phased disarmament and bunker removal.
The Ahle Sunnat elders have refused to sign the agreement under these terms, while the Tori leaders have signed the agreement according to their stance.
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Jirga sources confirmed the partial agreement but stated the final decision will be announced at the Commissioner’s office in Kohat.
The Parachinar-Peshawar highway and Upper Kurram route have been closed for around 80 days, cutting off supplies to the area.
Tehsil Chairman Agha Muzamil raised alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, noting the deaths of 123 children due to lack of medical care. Essential goods, public transport, and businesses in Kurram remain unavailable, compounding the crisis.
Protests and sit-ins continue across Parachinar and five other locations, including Karachi, where traffic has been severely disrupted.
The demonstrations, sparked by the worsening conditions in Karam, have led to alternative traffic routes being set up by police.
Following the preliminary agreement in Kurram, some sit-ins in Karachi have begun to wind down. However, the resolution of key disputes remains critical to achieving sustainable peace in the region.
