Kurram jirga: Framework devised for arms surrender, licence issuance

KOHAT/PARACHINAR: A grand peace jirga on law and order convened at the Kohat Commissioner’s House on Thursday devised a framework for the surrender of heavy weapons to the government and the issuance of security arms licenses to residents of the restive Kurram tribal district.

The jirga was arranged under the supervision of Kohat Commissioner Moatasim Billah. It concluded successfully as progress was made in the discussion on sustainable and lasting peace in Kurram.

The jirga was attended by members of the peace agreement committee, elders from Kurram, and senior officials, including Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Regional Police Officer Abbas Majeed Marwat, General Officer Commanding Major-General Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, and other officials.

Those privy to the meeting said the sitting focused on demolition of all bunkers in the restive Kurram district as well apart from the surrender of heavy weapons and issuance of arms licenses to locals.

Consultations were held between both parties on implementing the Kohat Peace Agreement and ensuring lasting peace. Discussions included the demolition of bunkers and the surrender of weapons. The reopening of the Kurram Highway was a key point of deliberation.

The Kohat commissioner informed the jirga members that the process of demolishing bunkers in Upper and Lower Kurram was going on. It was added that as many as 38 bunkers have been dismantled and security in the area tightened.

After devising a framework for the surrender of heavy weapons to the government and the issuance of security arms licenses to residents, it was added that more consultations would be held for which another jirga would be convened soon.

Meanwhile, overseas Pakistanis and students from Kurram district raised concerns over being repeatedly included in helicopter travel lists but continuously denied access.

Speaking at a joint press conference here, Syed Sibtain, Ali Ashab, Syed Yasar, Hussain Abbas, Amjad Abbas, Iqbal Hussain, Zulqarnain, and other affected individuals stated that for the past two months, they had been trying to secure a seat on the helicopter service, but every morning, the list was altered, allowing only those with strong connections to board.

As a result, they said, many overseas Pakistanis were at risk of losing their visas, while students feared losing academic year and university admissions.

The affected individuals urged the district administration, security forces, and other authorities to resolve the issue by ensuring fair access to helicopter travel or arranging a convoy for safe transportation.

Another report said Shabbir Sajjadi, the provincial general secretary of Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen and a member of the peace jirga, resigned from his position in protest against the government’s lack of action in addressing the issues faced by the people of the Kurram district.

Speaking to the media, he criticized the authorities for failing to take effective measures to maintain peace and resolve the problems of the region’s nearly 500,000 stranded residents. He accused the government of playing a biased role.