Educational institutions in Kurram shut in protest

PARACHINAR: The closure of main roads in Kurram has led to the closure of all public and private educational institutions in protest.

The protest is being led by religious scholars who have demanded the immediate reopening and securing of the roads.

The prolonged road blockades have caused acute shortage of food, daily necessities, and gas in the district. Markets, restaurants, and bakeries remain closed, leaving residents in dire straits.

Headmasters and principals of local schools have now joined the protests, closing all educational institutions to draw attention to the worsening situation.

Speaking at a press conference in Parachinar, religious leaders including Allama Noor Hussain Najafi, Allama Khyal Hussain, Allama Syed Safdar Ali Shah, Allama Iran Ali, and Allama Muhammad Hussain Tahiri criticized Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, for what they described his “misleading statement.”

Barrister Saif had earlier dismissed reports of children dying due to lack of medical care.

Member National Assembly Hamid Hussain and tribal leader Jalal Bangash also condemned the statement.

Meanwhile, social worker Faisal Edhi, who recently visited the area, described the situation as alarming and said the residents were facing shortage of food and medicines.