Kurram’s tragedy

The situation in Kurram continues to both outrage and baffle. In the latest, social media reports have alleged the heartbreaking deaths of 29 children in the Kurram district – apparently caused by a severe shortage of medicines and compounded by road closures. While these reports have been denied by the provincial government, the fact is that Kurram’s condition today is a direct indictment of the state of Pakistan, reflecting the consequences of a dysfunctional and distracted governance system. The ongoing sectarian clashes and the ensuing governance collapse show just how much political indifference and administrative failure have allowed the most vulnerable citizens to suffer unimaginable loss. The clashes in Kurram, initially triggered by a land dispute, have spiralled out of control. With more than 130 dead, 180 injured, and now the silent toll of children allegedly dying due to preventable conditions, the crisis demands an immediate, coordinated response. Yet, political wrangling – as seen in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s sluggish approach – has only aggravated matters. This issue should have been addressed months ago before it snowballed into such devastation. Unfortunately, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and his cabinet failed to prioritise Kurram when it mattered most.

And the indifference didn’t end there; the PTI then boycotted the All-Parties Conference (APC) convened by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi. While the APC sought to address law and order in Kurram and beyond, petty political rivalries took precedence. At a time when unity is urgently needed, the refusal to sit at the table sends a dangerous message: that political posturing outweighs human lives. Meanwhile, reports that the nine-day-long peace jirga remains deadlocked due to government differences only deepen the sense of hopelessness for the people of Kurram. The situation demands action, not excuses. The KP government must urgently restore medical supplies, disarm militant factions, and secure key routes to ensure aid reaches those in need. Equally, it must take accountability for its delayed response. Sectarian clashes, once ignited, are not easily contained – and their repercussions can spill over to other parts of the country. Failure to act decisively now risks further loss of life, escalation of violence, and a destabilisation that Pakistan cannot afford.

It is astonishing that lessons from our recent history continue to go unheeded. Just two days ago, Pakistan marked the 10th anniversary of the APS massacre – a tragedy that united the nation against terrorism. It demonstrated that when political differences are set aside, collective action can turn the tide. Today, the people of Kurram need that same unity. They need leadership willing to rise above party lines, end the sectarian violence, and provide immediate relief to those suffering. We have said this before, and it bears repeating: the power struggle between political parties can wait; the lives of innocent citizens cannot. The government, both federal and provincial, must not only put out the fires in Kurram but also ensure such a catastrophe never occurs again. Kurram’s children deserved better – and so do the people of Pakistan.