Kurram Declared a ‘Disaster-Hit’ District After Months of Tribal Clashes

Kurram has been declared a “disaster-hit” district on Monday following months-long tribal clashes.

The humanitarian crisis in Kurram district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has escalated significantly due to ongoing tribal clashes and prolonged road closures, which have now reached 76 days. The situation led the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet to finally declare Kurram a “disaster-hit” area and approve emergency relief measures.

“The provincial government has directed authorities concerned to expedite relief operations in the [violence-marred district],” said KP government spokesperson Barrister Saif in a statement after the cabinet’s meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif added that authorities were ensuring the provision of medicines and food items during the relief emergency. “The relief operation includes provision of medicines, food, and transportation via airborne service.”

Residents face severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. The main Kurram-Peshawar road closure has left approximately 400,000 people stranded, exacerbating the crisis as essential supplies dwindle.

In response to the dire conditions, residents have staged protests, including a sit-in at the Parachinar Press Club, demanding the reopening of roads. Protesters have highlighted that many are starving due to the lack of food supplies.

Reports indicate that at least 50 children have died due to inadequate medical treatment during this blockade. Medical facilities are struggling with dwindling supplies of essential medicines and oxygen.

The provincial government has directed relevant authorities to expedite relief efforts in the district. This includes airlifting patients and delivering medical supplies through organizations like the Edhi Foundation, which is operating flights to assist those in need.

The government has also taken steps to dismantle private bunkers in an effort to restore peace and security in the region. Discussions are ongoing with tribal leaders to establish a new ceasefire following previous agreements that have not been held.

The unrest in Kurram has been fueled by longstanding sectarian tensions between Shia and Sunni communities, with recent violence resulting in over 200 fatalities since July. The situation worsened after targeted attacks on Shia pilgrims in November, leading to increased hostilities and retaliatory violence.

As winter sets in, the humanitarian situation is expected to worsen unless immediate action is taken to restore access and provide necessary supplies to the affected populations.

‘A Tribal Dispute, Not Terrorism’

During the meeting, KP Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized that the people of Kurram desire peace, clarifying that the issue stems from a conflict between two groups rather than terrorism.

He criticized “certain elements” for aggravating the situation by spreading sectarian hatred and creating false narratives to misrepresent the nature of the conflict in Kurram.

The chief minister further highlighted the proliferation of illegal heavy weapons in the violence-stricken district. “There is no justification for the possession of such weapons and the construction of bunkers,” he remarked, adding that no government policy permits armed groups to stockpile illegal heavy weaponry.

“The KP government is committed to resolving the issue peacefully through negotiations and jirgas,” he stated, dismissing rumours of planned operations in Tirah Valley and Jani Khel.