Death toll jumps to 122 as clashes continue in Kurram

PARACHINAR: The death toll from clashes in the Kurram tribal district has risen to 122, with 168 others injured, as skirmishes between rival groups entered its ninth day.

Efforts to bring peace and to end hostilities have begun, with local leaders engaging in negotiations to help broker a ceasefire.

According to police and hospital sources, sporadic clashes have continued in several areas of the district. In the latest incidents of violence, 12 more people were killed and 17 injured.

The violence began on November 21 when armed assailants opened fire on a convoy of passenger vehicles in the Mandori Uchit area of Lower Kurram. The attack had left 52 people dead, igniting unrest across the district. The clashes later spread to Sangen, Sadda Balishkhel, Khar Killay, Maqbal, Kunj Alizai, Bagan and Alizai area in restive Kurram.

The ongoing conflict has disrupted daily life. The main Peshawar-Parachinar highway remains closed, cutting off transportation and causing shortages of food, fuel and medicines.

Residents, including students and workers returning from abroad, are struggling with various challenges. Trade and movement across the Kharlachi border with Afghanistan have also been halted, while internet and mobile services are suspended and educational institutions remain closed.

Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ali Hadi Irfani and former Member National Assembly (MNA) Malik Fakhar Zaman have expressed concern over the situation.

They said the people of Kurram are facing numerous challenges due to these clashes, asking the government to ensure the safety of citizens and take steps to secure the main highway.

Deputy Commissioner, Kurram, Javedullah Mehsud, said that negotiations were underway with elders from both sides to effect a ceasefire. “We are hopeful of progress towards a truce and lasting peace in the district,” he said.

Meanwhile, Member National Assembly (MNA) Hamid Hussain met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to brief him on the situation. Speaking to the media, Hamid Hussain said that he informed the prime minister about the number of casualties and challenges facing the local population. “The prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and has taken serious notice of the incidents,” he said. “He [prime minister] has assured swift and effective measures to restore lasting peace in Kurram,” the MNA added.

Hamid Hussain said the violence not only caused immense hardships for the people but also hindered the district’s progress and development. He said that it was imperative for all communities to work together and thwart the efforts of those who were seeking to destabilize the region.