A deadly struggle

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been reeling under an escalating wave of violence and terrorism, a situation that should deeply concern the state. The recent clashes between rival tribes in Kurram, which claimed 46 lives and injured over 90, are a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the region. Despite a ceasefire reached in August after clashes that resulted in 50 casualties, the violence has resurfaced, pointing to a deeply entrenched conflict. Though provincial authorities claim the dispute is over land, the shadow of sectarian violence, which has haunted Kurram for over a decade, cannot be ignored. As Kurram bleeds, the dangers extend beyond tribal conflicts. In a separate case of violence, last month, a diplomatic convoy, including representatives from 12 countries, was attacked by a roadside device en route to the Kalam valley. While the diplomats escaped unscathed, a police officer lost his life, exposing the fragility of security in even the most scenic regions of KP.

In response, thousands of Swat’s residents took to the streets, demanding peace and sending a clear message that they will not tolerate militancy in their mountains. The protesters’ concerns are justified. Swat, a region that fought valiantly to rid itself of militancy, is now on the brink of slipping back into the grip of fear. The reported resurgence of militants in the area stands as a testament to the state’s failure to maintain the hard-won peace. These three different incidents – tribal violence in Kurram, the attack on diplomats, and protests in Swat – illustrate the complex security challenges KP faces. From sectarian clashes to militant resurgence, the province is once again becoming a battleground. August saw 29 terrorist attacks claiming 25 lives, and the trend continued into September. The people of KP, who have borne the brunt of terrorism for over two decades, deserve more than just hollow reassurances.

Yet, instead of addressing the root causes of this violence, KP’s leadership is embroiled in a political tug-of-war. The recent spat between KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and the federal government over engaging Afghanistan to address security concerns is a classic example of misplaced priorities. While Gandapur suggested sending a provincial delegation to Afghanistan to resolve ongoing issues, the Foreign Office swiftly rebuffed him, emphasizing that foreign policy is a federal subject. Rather than indulging in political grandstanding, both governments must engage in a meaningful dialogue to protect the people of KP. The protesters in Swat have already signaled their loss of faith in the state’s ability to protect them. The trust deficit between the government and the people of KP is widening, and unless serious efforts are made to bridge this gap, the province may slide further into chaos. Past policies by the state to negotiate with the TTP had only emboldened militancy. Resettling militants in settled areas was a misguided policy that ignored the trauma and sacrifices of the people. Now, more than ever, the state must focus on crafting a robust, long-term strategy to eliminate terrorism and prevent its resurgence. The people of KP deserve peace, not petty politics.