PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Law Minister Aftab Alam has strongly refuted media reports claiming that a government helicopter, carrying a high-level delegation, came under attack in Parachinar.
As per Geo News, Alam clarified, “No incident of firing at the helicopter took place, and the entire delegation is completely safe.”
Earlier reports had suggested that a KP government helicopter, en route from Peshawar to Kurram district, was fired upon while carrying Alam and other officials. The sources indicated that the helicopter landed safely after the reported firing, with all delegation members unharmed.
The delegation, led by Minister Aftab Alam, was tasked by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to visit Kurram following a deadly gun attack on a convoy that left 44 people dead and many more injured. Other members of the delegation included KP Chief Secretary Aslam Chaudhry, Kohat Division Commissioner, and Kohat Deputy Inspector General (DIG), among others.
Two days prior, CM Gandapur had ordered the delegation to thoroughly assess the situation in Kurram and submit a report, in addition to activating the Jirga to help improve the law and order situation in the area. However, the delegation was unable to reach Kurram due to road closures caused by disputes between two rival groups.
The region has faced persistent violence for several months, with tribal clashes resulting in numerous fatalities. The conflict has led to the frequent closure of both main and link roads, as well as the border with Afghanistan, severely disrupting local life.
Recent violence, including incidents of firing on passenger vehicles last month, prompted the closure of key routes, such as Parachinar-Peshawar, out of fear of further attacks.
The September clashes, which were sparked by a dispute between two rival tribes over land, resulted in 60 deaths and dozens of injuries, according to KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
This ongoing tribal conflict has caused significant tension in the region, leading to a temporary ceasefire agreement in August, after earlier clashes left 50 dead and 226 injured.
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